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Mild encephalitis with reversible splenial (MERS) lesion syndrome due to influenza B virus
Geraldine Vanderschueren1, Katlijn Schotsmans1, Emke Maréchal1,2
1Department of Neurology, ZNA Middelheim, Antwerp, Belgium.
Abstract:
We describe a 16-year-old boy with mild encephalitis with reversible lesions in the white matter and splenium of corpus callosum as a complication of an influenza B virus infection. Although more common in Asiatic children, it can also occur in Caucasian children and adults. There are several possible causes, including metabolic disorders, hypertension and infection, and the prognosis is usually good, even without treatment.
Insights
A rare complication of influenza B virus infection, mild encephalitis with reversible lesions, affected a 16-year-old boy. This condition, impacting white matter and the corpus callosum, typically has a good prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Mild encephalitis with reversible lesions (MERL) is a rare neurological complication.
- Influenza B virus is a known, though uncommon, cause of MERL.
- MERL can affect individuals of various ethnicities and ages.
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