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Published on: January 2, 2013
Cerebral malaria owing to Plasmodium vivax: case report
Metehan Ozen1, Serdal Gungor, Metin Atambay
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey. metehanoz@yahoo.com
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|May 20, 2006
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of Plasmodium vivax malaria causing status epilepticus in a child. It emphasizes considering cerebral malaria, even with P. vivax, especially in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cerebral malaria, a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum, often presents with encephalopathy and seizures.
- Status epilepticus, prolonged seizures, is a critical manifestation in severe pediatric malaria.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old boy presented with intractable seizures, diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax malaria.
- Initial electroencephalogram (EEG) was normal, but a follow-up EEG after 3 months revealed generalized epileptic activity.
Findings:
- This case uniquely demonstrates Plasmodium vivax infection complicated by status epilepticus.
- Cerebral malaria due to P. vivax is a rare but significant neurological complication.
Implications:
- Clinicians in malaria-endemic areas, like Turkey, should consider cerebral malaria in patients with P. vivax, even with atypical presentations.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing P. vivax-associated neurological complications.
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