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Multiple brain haemorrhages in falciparum malaria
A Biswas1, P K Gangopadhyay, D Guha
1Department of Neuromedicine, Bangur Institute of Neurology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata.
Summary
A rare case of cerebral malaria in a young male presented with multiple brain bleeds but no encephalopathy. Successful treatment with antimalarial drugs highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage is a rare but serious neurological complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
- Cerebral malaria typically presents with altered consciousness and neurological deficits, but hemorrhage is uncommon.
Observation:
- A young male presented with multiple spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages.
- Peripheral blood smear confirmed Plasmodium falciparum infection.
- The patient had a normal coagulation profile and no signs of encephalopathy.
Findings:
- The patient was successfully treated with standard antimalarial therapy.
- The absence of encephalopathy despite multiple hemorrhages is unusual.
- This case highlights a rare clinical manifestation of falciparum malaria.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt antimalarial treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients with cerebral malaria, even with unusual presentations.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of malaria-induced intracerebral hemorrhage is warranted.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for malaria in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms, including intracranial bleeding.