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Influenza A H1N1 Related Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy: Radiological Findings in Adulthood
E Ventura1, A Summa, F Ormitti
1Department of Neuroradiology, Parma University Hospital; Parma, Italy - eventura@ao.pr.it.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|September 14, 2013
Summary
A rare fatal case of acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) occurred in a 40-year-old man following Influenza A H1N1 infection. This study details the neurological decline and imaging findings in an adult ANE case.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Influenza A H1N1 (swine-origin) emerged in 2009, associated with neurological complications.
- Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare neurological complication, predominantly observed in children.
- Adult cases of ANE linked to Influenza A H1N1 are seldom reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a fatal case of ANE in an adult influenza A H1N1 patient.
- To document the clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings in adult ANE.
- To highlight the occurrence of ANE in a non-pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a previously healthy 40-year-old male with influenza A H1N1 infection.
- Clinical assessment of severe neurological decline.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for neuroimaging analysis.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with severe neurological decline secondary to influenza A H1N1 infection.
- CT and MRI findings were consistent with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE).
- Imaging revealed bilateral thalamic necrosis with petechial hemorrhage, characteristic of ANE, but rarely described in adults.
Conclusions:
- Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) can occur in adults infected with influenza A H1N1 virus.
- Neuroimaging findings in adult ANE cases can mirror those seen in pediatric patients.
- This case underscores the potential for severe neurological complications of influenza A H1N1 in the adult population.
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