Case Report
Volume: 4 | Issue: 9 | Published: Oct 14, 2020 | Pages: 292 - 295 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1574570790
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood secondary to influenza A H1N1 virus
Authors: Poh Sen Tay , Phyllis Wan Chun Ho
Article Info
Authors
Poh Sen Tay
FRCR, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Malaysia
Phyllis Wan Chun Ho
FRCR, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Malaysia
Publication History
Received: November 25, 2019
Revised: August 20, 2020
Accepted: September 14, 2020
Published: October 14, 2020
Abstract
Background: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood (ANEC) is a rare but distinctive type of encephalopathy predominantly involving infants and young children. This case report describes the characteristic neuroimaging findings which can aid in early diagnosis of ANEC. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old boy presented with a 2-day history of fever and flu-like illness and was given symptomatic treatment. He subsequently deteriorated on day 3 of illness with generalized tonic-clonic seizure and impaired consciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging done revealed abnormal signal intensities at bilateral thalami, brainstem, and cerebellum, which are suggestive of ANEC, correlating with his clinical presentation. Treatment was started immediately, but the patient had a very poor recovery. Conclusion: ANEC is a very rare encephalopathy and has very high mortality and morbidity with severe neurologic sequelae. Early diagnosis is important so that appropriate management can be provided.
Keywords: Case report, acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood (ANEC), influenza A, H1N1, green
