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In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
10:21

In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus

Published on: December 2, 2012

[Three pediatric cases of group A coxsackievirus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy]

Koichi Aizaki1, Tomohiko Tsuru, Keiko Okumura

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shimada Ryoiku Center Hachioji, Hachioji, Tokyo. k.aizaki@shimada-ryoiku.or.jp

No to Hattatsu = Brain and Development
|September 28, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Group A coxsackievirus can cause severe pediatric encephalitis/encephalopathy, leading to serious outcomes like brain edema and seizures. Some children may experience poor prognoses, highlighting the need for awareness and prompt diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Group A coxsackievirus (CA6) is an enterovirus.
  • Encephalitis/encephalopathy is inflammation of the brain.

Observation:

  • Three pediatric cases of coxsackievirus A6-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy are presented.
  • Clinical presentations included fever, exanthem, convulsions, cardiopulmonary arrest, and severe brain edema.
  • Neuroimaging revealed brain edema, subcortical white matter lesions, bilateral hippocampal lesions, and diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities.

Findings:

  • Group A coxsackievirus is identified as a causative agent in pediatric encephalitis/encephalopathy.
  • Neurological sequelae, including status epilepticus requiring barbiturate treatment, were observed.
  • Diagnoses included acute encephalopathy with febrile convulsive status epilepticus and parainfectious limbic encephalitis.

Implications:

  • Group A coxsackievirus infection poses a significant risk for severe neurological complications in children.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering coxsackievirus in the differential diagnosis of pediatric encephalitis/encephalopathy.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial, as some cases may have a poor prognosis.

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