Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

Description of six cases of child cauda equina leptomeningitis: an emerging disease

Franca Dicuonzo1, Michele Palma, Michele Tangari

  • 1Department of Neuroradiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. f.dic@neurorad.uniba.it

Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology
|August 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Child cauda equina leptomeningitis (CCEL) is an emerging aseptic meningitis affecting children. This study details six cases, highlighting lower limb weakness and diagnostic MRI findings, suggesting viral or immune-mediated causes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroimmunology

Background:

  • Child cauda equina leptomeningitis (CCEL) is an emerging aseptic meningitis affecting children aged 2-9.
  • CCEL presents with prodromal symptoms followed by acute lower limb hypoasthenia, hyporeflexia, and ataxia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe clinical features and diagnostic findings in six pediatric cases of CCEL.
  • To explore potential pathogen mechanisms of CCEL.

Main Methods:

  • Case series description of six children diagnosed with CCEL.
  • Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate cauda equina and conus medullaris.
  • Differential diagnosis exploration with Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Main Results:

  • All patients exhibited pathological enhancement of cauda equina and conus medullaris leptomeninges on MRI.
  • MRI facilitated differentiation between CCEL and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • One case presented with generalized seizures and coma.

Conclusions:

  • CCEL is a distinct pediatric neurological condition requiring careful diagnosis.
  • Hypotheses for pathogenesis include direct viral damage, immunomediated mechanisms, or a combination.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the exact etiology of CCEL.

More Related Videos

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus05:33

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus

Published on: June 23, 2022

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...
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...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
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...