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REPORT-Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion associated with mumps infection: A case
Fatao Lin1, Xiaojing Feng1, Zhi Li1
1Department of Infectious diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
Abstract:
We describe for the first time an child who demonstrated Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) after mumps infection in China. In this report, a 12-year-old boy came to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University due to fever, swelling and pain under the earlobe for 4 days, and headache and vomiting for half of a day. Laboratory examinations showed a blood sodium level of 125mmol/L, both the Immunoglobulin M and Polymerase Chain Reaction results for the serum mumps virus were positive. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed slight hypointense on T1 weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, fluid attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted images in the splenium of the corpus callosum indicative of MERS. On the 8th day, the patient no longer had swelling and pain around the parotid salivary glands, the sodium levels returned to normal. Onset of 14th d, follow-up brain MRI did not reveal any abnormalities. The case given to us indicates that MERS should be considered when patients after mumps infection presents with neurological symptoms and MRI should be performed to evaluate the splenium of the corpus callosum.
Insights
Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) can occur after mumps infection. This case highlights the importance of MRI in diagnosing MERS in children with neurological symptoms post-mumps.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps infection can lead to neurological complications.
- Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare condition.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy presented with fever, parotid swelling, headache, and vomiting after mumps infection.
- Laboratory tests confirmed mumps virus infection and showed low blood sodium levels.
- Brain MRI revealed characteristic lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum, indicative of MERS.
Findings:
- The patient recovered fully within 14 days, with normalized sodium levels and resolution of brain MRI findings.
- This case is the first documented instance of MERS following mumps infection in a child in China.
Implications:
- MERS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with neurological symptoms after mumps.
- Brain MRI, particularly of the corpus callosum splenium, is crucial for diagnosing MERS.
- Early recognition and management can lead to complete recovery.
