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