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A Case of Scrub Typhus Related Encephalopathy Presenting as Rapidly Progressive Dementia

Jeong Hoon Park1, Jae-Won Jang1, Seung-Hwan Lee1,2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea.

Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
|March 26, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Scrub typhus infection can cause rapidly progressive dementia and mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS). Early diagnosis of scrub typhus is crucial for MERS patients with cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a recognized neurological condition.
  • Rapidly progressive dementia signifies a swift decline in cognitive functions.

Observation:

  • A 78-year-old female presented with acute cognitive decline.
  • Neuroimaging revealed signal intensity in the splenium and subcortical white matter, indicative of MERS.
  • The patient exhibited frontal executive dysfunction on neuropsychological testing.

Findings:

  • The patient's rapid cognitive decline was attributed to scrub typhus infection.
  • Diffusion-weighted imaging findings were consistent with MERS.
  • Scrub typhus can manifest with neurological symptoms including MERS and dementia.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider scrub typhus in patients presenting with MERS and rapid cognitive decline.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of scrub typhus are essential for managing MERS and associated dementia.
  • This case highlights the importance of infectious disease screening in neurological presentations.
Keywords:
dementiascrub typhussplenial lesion

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