Acute Dengue Hemorrhagic Encephalitis in a Child: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness, typically presents with febrile illness and hemorrhagic manifestations.
• Expanded dengue syndrome encompasses atypical presentations involving multiple organ systems.
• While dengue virus is not considered neurotropic, central nervous system (CNS) involvement has been increasingly reported.

Observation:

• A 4-year-old child presented with symptoms consistent with classical dengue infection.
• The child also exhibited signs of acute dengue hemorrhagic encephalitis, a rare neurological complication.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hemorrhage in the thalamus and cerebellum.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare presentation of dengue hemorrhagic encephalitis in a pediatric patient.
• Imaging confirmed intracranial hemorrhage in key brain structures (thalamus and cerebellum).
• This case underscores the potential for severe neurological complications in dengue infection.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of expanded dengue syndrome and its neurological manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
• This case contributes to the understanding of CNS involvement in dengue fever, particularly in children.
• Further research into the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic encephalitis may improve patient outcomes.