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Published on: July 4, 2007
Uncommon Presentation of Rasmussen's Encephalitis
Arvind Vyas1, Jaypalsing Ramdhan Ghunawat1, Amit Kumar Bagaria1
1Department of Neurology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Abstract:
Rasmussen's encephalopathy (RE) is an uncommon neurological disease of inflammatory origin which is characterized by intractable focal epilepsy, progressive limb weakness, and cognitive deterioration. RE presenting as movement disorder like hemidystonia or hemichorea is a rare occurrence. The duration of prodromal stage of RE is usually in weeks or months. Prolonged prodromal stage like in years is rarely reported. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good biomarker in RE and it also suggests the sequential progression of disease. Here we report two cases of RE, one presenting with hemidystonia and other case with unusually prolonged prodromal stage duration of 7 years. In spite of severe hemi-atrophy of brain in second case response to immunomodulators was dramatic.
Insights
Rasmussen's encephalopathy (RE), a rare neurological disorder, can present unusually with movement disorders or prolonged prodromal stages. Early MRI and immunomodulator treatment show promising results even in severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Rasmussen's encephalopathy (RE) is a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease.
- It typically manifests as intractable focal epilepsy, progressive weakness, and cognitive decline.
Observation:
- RE presenting with movement disorders like hemidystonia or hemichorea is uncommon.
- Prolonged prodromal stages, lasting years, are exceptionally rare in RE.
Findings:
- This report details two RE cases: one with hemidystonia, another with a 7-year prodromal stage.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves as a key biomarker for RE progression.
- Despite severe hemi-atrophy, the second case showed a dramatic response to immunomodulators.
Implications:
- Highlights the diverse clinical presentations of Rasmussen's encephalopathy.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic value of MRI in tracking RE.
- Suggests immunomodulatory therapies may be effective even in advanced stages of RE.
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