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An adult case of mumps brainstem encephalitis
S Koyama1, K Morita, S Yamaguchi
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital, Nayoro.
Abstract:
We present an adult case of mumps brainstem encephalitis. He was successfully treated with steroid pulse therapy and recovered completely except for persistent dysuria. He had not been vaccinated and had no history of acute mumps infection. We consider that encephalitis in this case was caused by a reversible autoimmune process triggered by mumps infection. We emphasize the usefulness of pulse therapy for the treatment of some cases of mumps brainstem encephalitis in addition to the importance of mumps vaccination to prevent such a severe complication as encephalitis.
Insights
An unvaccinated adult developed mumps brainstem encephalitis, likely due to a reversible autoimmune response. Steroid pulse therapy led to full recovery, highlighting its effectiveness and the importance of mumps vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Mumps is a viral infection typically causing mild symptoms.
- Brainstem encephalitis is a rare but severe neurological complication of mumps.
- Vaccination status significantly impacts susceptibility to mumps and its complications.
Observation:
- An adult case of mumps brainstem encephalitis presented without prior vaccination or acute mumps infection.
- The patient experienced neurological symptoms affecting the brainstem.
- Persistent dysuria was noted as a residual symptom post-treatment.
Findings:
- The encephalitis was hypothesized to stem from a reversible autoimmune process triggered by the mumps virus.
- Successful treatment was achieved using high-dose steroid pulse therapy.
- Complete neurological recovery was observed, barring the persistent urinary symptom.
Implications:
- Steroid pulse therapy may be a valuable treatment option for select mumps brainstem encephalitis cases.
- This case underscores the critical role of mumps vaccination in preventing severe neurological sequelae.
- Understanding the autoimmune basis of mumps encephalitis can inform future therapeutic strategies.