Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

18.6K

Adult-Onset Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis With a 30-Year Latent Period

Brandon B Holmes1, Jessamyn Conell-Price1, Collin J Kreple1

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.

The Neurohospitalist
|May 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare measles virus complication, can present with delayed neurological and ophthalmologic symptoms. This case highlights atypical SSPE features, emphasizing a broader diagnostic approach for this progressive neuroinfectious disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive neuroinfectious disease.
  • It is a late complication of measles virus infection.
  • Typical SSPE symptoms include behavioral changes, myoclonus, dementia, and neurological deficits.

Observation:

  • A 40-year-old patient presented with SSPE.
  • Ophthalmologic manifestations appeared 30 years after the initial measles infection.
  • This presentation included both typical and atypical SSPE features.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was supported by electroencephalography showing periodic complexes and elevated cerebrospinal fluid measles antibodies.
  • The case demonstrates a prolonged latency period and initial ophthalmologic presentation.
  • This highlights the variability in SSPE clinical manifestation.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering SSPE in patients with neurological or ophthalmologic decline, even decades after measles.
  • It suggests a need for a broader diagnostic framework for atypical SSPE presentations.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing this severe neurodegenerative condition.
Keywords:
SSPEencephalitismeaslesneuroinfectionretinitissubacute sclerosing panencephalitis

More Related Videos

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

11.7K
A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts07:50

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts

Published on: September 20, 2018

16.3K

Related Concept Videos

Rabies01:28

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...