Case Report
Volume: 4 | Issue: 2 | Published: Mar 03, 2020 | Pages: 52 - 55 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1548796037
A rare case of H1N1 pdm09 infection with acute cerebellar syndrome - a case report
Authors: Taymmia Ejaz , Jamal Ahmed , Mahmood Malik , Yousaf Jamal
Article Info
Authors
Taymmia Ejaz
Pulmonology Department, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Jamal Ahmed
Pulmonology Department, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Mahmood Malik
Pulmonology Department, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Yousaf Jamal
Pulmonology Department, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Publication History
Received: January 29, 2019
Revised: December 03, 2019
Accepted: February 12, 2020
Published: March 03, 2020
Abstract
Background: Influenza A H1N1 pdm09-associated neurological complications are rare, particularly in adults. This case report highlights one of the uncommon presentations associated with H1N1 pdm09 infection. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 38-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital primarily with respiratory manifestations and developed acute cerebellar ataxia during hospital stay, causing a diagnostic dilemma, as his cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging brain were unremarkable. Throat swab real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) turned out positive for influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus strain and a nontypeable influenza A strain. He showed the resolution of cerebellar signs and a remarkable recovery on oseltamivir therapy. Based on the acute onset, positive RT-PCR and recovery on antiviral, a diagnosis of H1N1-associated cerebellitis was made. Conclusion: This report highlights an extremely rare complication of influenza infection with only five reported cases in adults and case series in children. Vigilance and a high index of suspicion for patients presenting with rapid onset neurological deterioration during pandemics and seasonal epidemics can prevent devastating sequelae.
Keywords: Cerebellitis, influenza, cerebellar ataxia, influenza-associated encephalopathy, case report, green