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Updated: May 2, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
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Dengue-associated longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis.
Naresh Kumar1, Rashmi Mishra2, Arun Bargali1
1Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 26, 2024
Summary
Dengue fever can cause rare neurological issues like sensorimotor quadriparesis and facial nerve problems. Early diagnosis using advanced imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis is key for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Neurological complications of dengue, though rare, can be severe and challenging to diagnose.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acute sensorimotor quadriparesis, bladder dysfunction, and facial nerve palsy.
- Initial investigations and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were unremarkable.
- Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis.
Findings:
- Aetiological workup for the myelitis was negative.
- Dengue virus was subsequently detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, confirming dengue as the cause.
- This highlights the diagnostic utility of advanced techniques in atypical presentations.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider dengue as a potential cause of myelitis, especially in endemic areas.
- Advanced neuroimaging and specific virological testing (CSF) are crucial for diagnosing rare dengue-related neurological complications.
- Prompt diagnosis facilitates targeted interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes in complex neurological cases.
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