IVIG treatment for VZV-related acute inflammatory polyneuropathy in a child. (19th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Buonsenso, Danilo; Focarelli, Benedetta; Valentini, Piero; Onesimo, Roberta
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2012
• Publication Date: 2012-07-19
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006362
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Acute inflammatory polyneuropathy is an inflammatory demyelinating disease triggered by an autoimmune mechanism. It follows an infection or an immunisation after a free interval of 2–30 days. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who develops an acute rapidly progressive paraplegia, urine incontinence and positive Lasegue a week after a characteristic chickenpox rash. Spinal MRI showed diffuse thickening and leptomeningeal enhancement of cauda equina nerve roots. Intravenous immunoglobulins were given and yielded a dramatic clinical and radiological improvement. The patient was discharged without any clinical problems 1 month after the onset of symptoms. We performed a review of the literature, discussing the different forms of varicella-zoster virus-related central and peripheral nervous system complications and management strategies for acute postinfectious encephalomyelitis/radiculitis.