A case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following influenza virus A-H1N1 infection
Garazzino, S.; Gabiano, C.; Calitri, C.; Zoppo, M.; Scolfaro, C.; Aguzzi, S.; Boffi, P.; Vigliano, N.; Tovo, P.-A.
Minerva Pediatrica 65(5): 565-567
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4946 PMID: 24056381 Document Number: 671420
We describe a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) occurring in a three-year old girl with influenza A (H1N1)v infection and manifesting with seizures and ataxia. The brain MRI revealed bilateral hyperintense signal changes in basal ganglia and brain stem. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone bolus followed by tapering steroids and progressively recovered without neurologic sequelae at the latest follow-up. ADEM may represent a rare postinfectious complication following novel pandemic influenza A H1N1v which should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of associated neurologic manifestations for the specific therapeutic approach and adequate follow-up.