Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in Egyptian Children – Case Series. Issue 2 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saied, Ahmed; Elsaid, Nada; Belal, Tamer; Ahmed, Zainab; Sherif, Fatma
• Is Part Of: Egyptian journal of critical care medicine. Volume 7:Issue 2/3(2020)
• Page Start: 68
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: acute necrotizing encephalopathy -- Egypt -- Influenza A -- magnetic resonance imaging -- thalamic involvement; Intensive care nursing -- Periodicals; 616.02805
• DOI: 10.1097/EJ9.0000000000000011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-7303

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is an underrecognized clinic-radiologic disorder characterized by rapid alteration of consciousness, seizures, and nonspecific symptoms following or accompanying respiratory or gastrointestinal infection and high fever with radiological symmetric lesions in the magnetic resonance imaging involving the thalami, brainstem, cerebellum, and white matter. This disease has global distribution but is more commonly seen in immune-competent East Asian infants and children. The condition carries a poor prognosis with high morbidity and mortality rates. Purpose: The objective of this work is to discuss the general characteristics, etiology, physiopathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment of ANE through the presentation of 3 clinical cases. Case presentation: Three children recently presented with rapid neurological deterioration and fever after prodromal respiratory symptoms are being reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging examination performed showed symmetric lesions involving the thalami and brainstem. Based on the temporal evolution of the clinical symptoms and MRI findings, the diagnosis of ANE was considered.