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Encephalopathy following measles infection in children with chronic illness
Abstract:
Five patients with an unusual encephalopathy, possible secondary to measles virus infection, are described. Features common to these patients are: an existing chronic disease, neurologic deterioration 2 1/2 to 6 months after a measles infection, and death several weeks later. These events occurred when the chronic disease (e.g. leukemia or neuroblastoma) was in remission. That the measles virus was the causative agent is suggested only by finding in brain and extracranial tissues intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions which contained measleslike particles. Additional clinical features seen in each of the five patients were: seizures, hypertension, and the inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
Insights
This study describes five patients with unusual encephalopathy potentially caused by measles virus. Neurologic decline occurred months after measles infection in patients with chronic diseases in remission.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Describes five patients presenting with an unusual encephalopathy.
- Patients had a history of chronic disease, such as leukemia or neuroblastoma, in remission.
Observation:
- Neurologic deterioration occurred 2.5 to 6 months post-measles infection.
- Clinical features included seizures, hypertension, and the inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
- Death occurred several weeks after the onset of neurologic symptoms.
Findings:
- Intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions containing measles-like particles were found in brain and extracranial tissues.
- These findings suggest a possible secondary measles virus infection as the causative agent of the encephalopathy.
Implications:
- Highlights a potential, rare complication of measles virus infection in immunocompromised individuals.
- Suggests the need for further investigation into measles virus's role in post-infectious neurological disorders.
- Underscores the importance of considering viral etiologies in unexplained encephalopathies, especially in patients with a history of measles.