Acute necrotizing encephalopathy associated with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in Turkey

Influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy has been well recognized but not yet been reported with novel influenza A in Turkey. We report a 6-year-old boy infected with novel influenza A who displayed the typically characteristic clinical features and neuroimaging findings of acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Physicians who care for children should be aware of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in any child presenting with acute mental status changes during influenza infection. We would like to remind of this entity, because early diagnosis and treatment may reduce mortality and morbidity.