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P50 Sensory Gating in Infants
Published on: December 26, 2013
Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in an infant: A case report
Mingsheng Ma1, Mengqi Zhang, Zhengqing Qiu
1Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Rationale:
Parasitic eosinophilic meningitis is rarely observed in infants. The diagnosis of this disease is complicated by its atypical and severe clinical manifestations.
Patient Concerns:
An infant presented to our hospital with high fever and irritability, as well as refusal to walk. Cerebrospinal fluid collected through lumbar puncture showed increased eosinophil count and third-stage Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae.
Diagnoses:
Eosinophilic meningitis was suspected.
Interventions:
We started empiric treatment with levamisole (14 mg bid, 2.5 mg/kg·day) and prednisone (17.5 mg qd, 1.5 mg/kg·day).
Outcomes:
All of the infant's symptoms were resolved approximately 72 hours after treatment. The patient fully recovered from her illness after completing 4 weeks of levamisole and prednisolone treatment.
Lessons:
A. cantonensis is the most common cause of parasitic eosinophilic meningitis cases in Southeast Asia. Physicians treating infants who live in areas where A. cantonensis is endemic and who present with irritability, abnormal motor function, and elevated eosinophil count should be aware of the disease to provide timely and rational therapy to the patients.
Insights
Parasitic eosinophilic meningitis in infants caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis can be effectively treated with levamisole and prednisone. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment lead to full recovery, highlighting the importance of physician awareness in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Parasitic eosinophilic meningitis is a rare and challenging diagnosis in infants due to atypical presentations.
- Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a significant cause of eosinophilic meningitis in Southeast Asia.
Observation:
- An infant presented with fever, irritability, and refusal to walk.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed eosinophilia and third-stage Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae.
Findings:
- Empiric treatment with levamisole and prednisone was initiated.
- The infant's symptoms resolved within 72 hours, with full recovery after 4 weeks of treatment.
Implications:
- Physicians should consider Angiostrongylus cantonensis in infants with unexplained neurological symptoms and eosinophilia in endemic regions.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric parasitic meningitis.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing parasitic infections presenting as meningitis in infants.
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