Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Acute Leucoencephalopathy with Restricted Diffusion in Children - A case series
Mahesh Kamate1, Mayank Detroja2, Virupaxi Hattiholi3
1Professor of Pediatrics and In.Charge Child Development Centre, KAHER University's J N Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion is a significant cause of childhood encephalopathy, often leading to prolonged illness and lasting neurological issues like cognitive impairment and epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion (ALERD) is an emerging neurological condition in children.
- Understanding its clinical and radiological features is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinico-radiological profile of pediatric ALERD.
- To analyze the outcomes and sequelae in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 16 children diagnosed with ALERD between July 2015 and July 2018.
- Analysis of clinical data, neuroimaging findings (MRI), and modified Rankin Scores.
Main Results:
- The study included 16 children (mean age 4.4 years) with ALERD, predominantly presenting with fever, seizures, and altered sensorium.
- MRI revealed diffusion restriction in all cases, with varied symmetry.
- Significant sequelae included post-encephalopathic epilepsy (43.7%), behavioral problems (62.5%), speech issues (50%), and cognitive delay (18.8%).
Conclusions:
- ALERD is an important cause of acute encephalopathy in children, characterized by a protracted course.
- Long-term sequelae such as cognitive impairment and refractory epilepsy are common, necessitating further research and management strategies.
Objective:
To study the clinico-radiological profile of children with acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review of children with acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion was done from July 2015 to July 2018. The clinical details, neuroimaging findings, sequelae, and the final outcome on modified Rankin Score were analyzed.
Results:
Sixteen children with a mean age of 4.4 years were diagnosed with acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion. All, except one, had fever, seizure, and altered sensorium. The median duration of hospital stay was 3 weeks. Only one out of 16, had biphasic clinical picture that is characteristic of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and restricted diffusion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed restriction diffusion in all. While it was symmetric in 13 children, in 3 children it was asymmetric, and in 2 children there was patchy involvement. Seven children (43.7%) had post-encephalopathic epilepsy. While complete neurological recovery was seen in 2 children, behavioral problems like hyperactivity in 10 (62.5%), speech problems in 8 (50%), and cognitive delay in 3 (18.8%) children were noted.
Conclusion:
Acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion is emerging as an important cause of acute encephalopathy in children with a protracted course and long-term sequelae such as cognitive impairment and refractory postencephalopathic epilepsy.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Brain Abscess l: Introduction

