Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

Acute fulminant subacute sclerosing panencephalitis with absent measles and PCR studies in cerebrospinal fluid

Brian H Y Chung1, Patrick P K Ip, Virginia C N Wong

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, China.

Pediatric Neurology
|September 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This case study details a rare presentation of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in a teen, initially mimicking other neurological disorders. Definitive diagnosis required brain biopsy due to atypical EEG and negative CSF measles antibodies.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neurological complication of measles virus infection.
  • Typical SSPE cases present with characteristic electroencephalographic (EEG) findings and elevated measles antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old male presented with rapidly progressive neurological decline, including transient visual agnosia and myoclonus.
  • Serial EEG monitoring failed to reveal the typical periodic complexes associated with SSPE.
  • CSF measles antibody titers were negative, complicating the diagnostic process.

Findings:

  • The atypical presentation necessitated advanced diagnostic methods.
  • Molecular and histologic examination of an open brain biopsy provided the definitive diagnosis of SSPE.
  • This highlights the challenges in diagnosing SSPE when classic diagnostic markers are absent.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering SSPE even in atypical presentations, especially when standard diagnostic criteria are not met.
  • It emphasizes the diagnostic value of brain biopsy in complex neurological cases.
  • Further research into atypical SSPE presentations may improve early detection and management strategies.

More Related Videos

Novel Atomic Force Microscopy Based Biopanning for Isolation of Morphology Specific Reagents against TDP-43 Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis13:31

Novel Atomic Force Microscopy Based Biopanning for Isolation of Morphology Specific Reagents against TDP-43 Variants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Published on: February 12, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...