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Enteroviral encephalitis leading to a locked-in state

V Z Acharya1, D Talwar, S P Elliott

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Arizona, USA.

Journal of Child Neurology
|December 6, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Enteroviruses typically cause mild illness, but can lead to severe meningoencephalitis. This case highlights an unusual severity, resulting in a rare locked-in state in a teen patient.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Enteroviruses are common viral pathogens causing millions of childhood infections annually.
  • While typically associated with mild symptoms and benign meningitis, severe neurological complications can occur.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old patient presented with enteroviral meningoencephalitis, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.
  • Rapid decline in consciousness led to a locked-in state, a rare and severe outcome.
  • Neurological improvement was slow, with persistent deficits.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of enterovirus encephalitis leading to a locked-in state.
  • The severity and sequelae observed are unusual for enteroviral meningoencephalitis.

Implications:

  • This report expands the understanding of enterovirus neurological disease spectrum.
  • Highlights the potential for severe outcomes even in common viral infections.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing and managing severe enteroviral encephalitis.

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