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[Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in an adult: report of a case]
Abstract:
A case of SSPE in a 29-year-old man is presented. The clinical picture was typical with progressive dementia associated with periodic myoclonus. The electroencephalogram showed periodic complexes; the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measles antibodies obtained by complement fixation were 1:256 and 1:32 respectively; the CSF gamma globulin was raised (32%) with an oligoclonal distribution. The fundoscopic examination demonstrated a retinal change in maculae and the computed tomography showed cysts and calcifications characteristic of Cysticercus cellulosae. The latter findings probably were not implicated with the SSPE because neurocysticercosis is a very common disease in this region of the country and frequently there are asymptomatic cysts and/or calcifications on CT. The essential clinical and epidemiologic picture of SSPE are discussed and probably the cases with an adult onset had a more rapid outcome to death.
Insights
This case study presents Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in an adult, characterized by progressive dementia and myoclonus. Elevated measles antibodies and CSF gamma globulin confirmed the diagnosis, with a rapid, fatal outcome typical for adult-onset SSPE.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, chronic, progressive neurological disease caused by measles virus infection.
- While typically affecting children and adolescents, adult-onset SSPE presents unique diagnostic and prognostic challenges.