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Periodic fever associated with intermittent rhythmic delta activity: a syndrome of hypothalamic origin?
J J van Hilten1, F Roelfsema, J W van der Meer
1Department of Neurology, Leiden University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|February 1, 1997
Abstract:
We report the case of a patient with a 16 year history of periodic (30 day cycle) fever attacks. The infradian cycle, associated clinical features, and the findings of electroencephalogram recorded during two fever attacks suggest a periodic hypothalamic syndrome.
Insights
This case study describes a patient experiencing periodic fever attacks every 30 days. These infradian cycles and associated symptoms suggest a rare periodic hypothalamic syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Periodic fever syndromes are a group of autoinflammatory disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of fever.
- Hypothalamic dysfunction can manifest with various symptoms, including alterations in body temperature regulation.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a 16-year history of recurrent fever attacks occurring in a regular 30-day cycle.
- Clinical features associated with the fever attacks were systematically documented.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were obtained during two separate fever episodes.
Findings:
- The observed infradian cycle (occurring less than once per week) of fever attacks is a key characteristic.
- The combination of the cyclical fever, associated clinical manifestations, and specific EEG findings during attacks strongly points towards a diagnosis.
- The findings are suggestive of a periodic hypothalamic syndrome, a condition involving the hypothalamus's role in regulating cyclical physiological events.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing infradian fever cycles in diagnosing rare hypothalamic disorders.
- Further research into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying periodic hypothalamic syndromes is warranted.
- Accurate diagnosis can guide targeted therapeutic strategies for patients with unexplained recurrent fevers.