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Fatal subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in an 8-year-old male: a case report

Fartun Abdullahi Hassan Orey1, Abdirahman Omar Sahal2, Bashiru Garba3,4

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Dr. Sumait Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|August 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare measles complication, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. This case report details the first documented instance in Mogadishu, Somalia, highlighting the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease.
  • It is a late complication of measles virus infection, leading to severe neurological deficits and death.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old male presented with seizures, gait abnormality, behavioral changes, and cognitive regression.
  • Clinical history included measles at 8 months and meningitis at 18 months.
  • EEG showed high amplitude spikes and focal slowing; MRI revealed FLAIR hyperintensities consistent with SSPE.

Findings:

  • The case represents the first documented instance of SSPE in Mogadishu, Somalia.
  • Despite symptomatic management, the patient's condition deteriorated, leading to death.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of measles vaccination to prevent SSPE.
  • Further epidemiological studies are needed to determine the incidence of SSPE in Somalia.
  • Improved diagnostic and management strategies for SSPE are crucial in under-resourced regions.
Keywords:
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitiscase reportimmunizationmeaslesneurodegenerative disease

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