[Three cases with acute encephalopathy related with adenovirus type 7 infection]

N Ohtsuki1, S Kimura, A Nezu

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Urafune Hospital of Yokohama City University, School of Medicine.

Insights

Acute encephalopathy in children linked to adenovirus type 7 (AD-7) infection presents with delayed seizures and abnormal blood markers. Steroid therapy showed promise, suggesting a post-infectious encephalitis mechanism possibly involving cytokine effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Adenovirus type 7 (AD-7) infections can lead to severe neurological complications in children.
  • Acute encephalopathy is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • Studied clinical and CT findings in 3 children with AD-7 associated acute encephalopathy.
  • Observed seizures occurring 8-10 days post-pyrexia onset.
  • Noted abnormal serum markers (elevated AST, LDH, CRP; decreased WBC, serum protein) and absence of CSF leukocytosis.

Findings:

  • All patients exhibited mild brain atrophy on CT scans.
  • One patient responded positively to steroid pulse therapy.
  • Pathogenesis remains unclear but suggests a post-infectious encephalitis.

Implications:

  • Findings implicate cytokine dysregulation in the pathogenesis of AD-7 encephalopathy.
  • Highlights the potential role of neuroimaging and specific therapies in managing this condition.
  • Emphasizes the need for further research into AD-7 associated neurological sequelae.

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