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Published on: October 11, 2022
Rickettsial fever presenting with isolated third nerve palsy
Anjali Rajadhyaksha1, Sanat Phatak1, Nilesh Nolkha1
1Department of Medicine, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai.
Abstract:
Rickettsial fevers are known to have neurological involvement, mostly in the form of meningoencephalitis. Focal neurodeficits, including isolated cranial nerve palsies have been rarely reported. We hereby report a case of a 25 year old man who presented to us with high grade fever caused by rickettsia and left sided partial third cranial nerve palsy. He responded to doxycycline.
Insights
Rickettsial infections can cause neurological issues. This case highlights a rare instance of third cranial nerve palsy in a young man due to rickettsia, successfully treated with doxycycline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Rickettsial fevers frequently manifest with central nervous system involvement, primarily meningoencephalitis.
- Focal neurological deficits, such as isolated cranial nerve palsies, are uncommon presentations of rickettsial infections.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male presented with high-grade fever attributed to a rickettsial infection.
- The patient exhibited a left-sided partial third cranial nerve palsy.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation included fever and a specific cranial nerve deficit.
- Diagnosis was confirmed as rickettsial fever with associated third nerve palsy.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of neurological complications associated with rickettsial infections.
- Highlights the importance of considering rickettsial etiologies in patients with fever and cranial nerve palsies.
- Doxycycline demonstrates efficacy in treating rickettsial infections with neurological sequelae.
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