Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 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 leukoencephalitis in infant treated by high-dose corticosteroid. A case report]

Sonia Halioui-Louhaichi1, Wissal Ben Jmaa, Sarra Briki

  • 1Service de Pédiatrie, CHU Mongi Slim, la Marsa, Tunisie.

La Tunisie Medicale
|June 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Acute post-infectious leukoencephalitis is a rare condition. This case study highlights a pediatric patient who recovered after high-dose corticosteroid therapy for this neurological disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute post-infectious leukoencephalitis (APLE) is a rare, immune-mediated demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • It typically occurs after a viral infection and presents with neurological deficits.

Observation:

  • A 2.5-year-old child presented with fever, rapid deterioration, obtundation, coma, and cranial nerve palsies (6th and 7th).
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytosis with negative cultures.
  • Head MRI showed diffuse T2-weighted white matter hyperintensities, confirming the diagnosis.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with acute post-infectious leukoencephalitis based on clinical presentation, CSF findings, and MRI.
  • Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids led to a positive clinical response.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering APLE in children with acute neurological deterioration post-infection.
  • Prompt diagnosis and aggressive immunomodulatory treatment, such as corticosteroids, can be effective in managing APLE.
  • Further research into the specific triggers and long-term outcomes of APLE is warranted.

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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,...
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,...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...