[A 4-year-old girl with diarrhoea, paresis and mutism]

Mette Engan1, John Asle Bjørlykke2, Gunnar Moen3

  • 1Barneklinikken Haukeland universitetssykehus.

Insights

Rotavirus infection can cause rare neurological issues like rotavirus cerebellitis in children. This case highlights mutism, hypotonia, and brain abnormalities, emphasizing the need for awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children.
  • Neurological complications of rotavirus range from seizures to severe encephalitis.
  • Cerebellitis is a rare but serious neurological manifestation.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl presented with mutism, hypotonia, and reduced consciousness.
  • Cerebral MRI revealed diffusion abnormalities in the corpus callosum splenium and cerebellar dentate nuclei.
  • The patient was diagnosed with rotavirus cerebellitis.

Findings:

  • This presentation of rotavirus cerebellitis is uncommon, particularly in Caucasian children.
  • Clinical symptoms and MRI findings were unusual.
  • Long-term neurological sequelae are possible in affected children.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the diverse neurological spectrum of rotavirus infections.
  • Early recognition and further research into treatment are crucial.
  • While immunoglobulins and corticosteroids have been used, no definitive treatment exists.

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