Influenza Virus-Associated Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in Two Young Children: Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare but severe neurological complication primarily affecting children following influenza virus infections.
• While often sporadic, familial and recurrent cases suggest potential genetic predispositions, such as RANBP2 mutations.

Observation:

• Two young girls, one with a history of ANE, presented with severe neurological deterioration, including seizures and altered consciousness, following influenza A infection.
• Cerebral MRI scans confirmed the diagnosis of ANE in both cases.
• Despite aggressive treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins, both patients had poor prognoses.

Findings:

• Influenza virus A was identified as the trigger in both pediatric cases of ANE.
• The study highlights the diagnostic utility of MRI in identifying ANE.
• Aggressive treatment regimens did not prevent poor outcomes in these severe cases.

Implications:

• Prompt identification of neurological symptoms during influenza-like illnesses is critical for initiating prompt therapy.
• Further research is essential to elucidate the pathophysiology of ANE and develop effective treatment strategies.
• ANE poses a significant threat to children, with high mortality and potential for long-term neurological deficits.