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An unusual form of measles meningoencephalitis. A report of two cases
Abstract:
Two patients are reported with a chronic progressive illness characterized by dementia, ataxia and spasticity. There were no myoclonic jerks and both had normal electroencephalograms (EEG). Pathological findings in three brain biopsies were those of viral meningoencephalitis with perivenous demyelination. Serological data in both patients indicated the presence of measles virus infection. Intracytoplasmic structures resembling measles virus nucleocapsids were found in the brain biopsy of one patient. Immunofluorescent staining showed antibody in the temporal lobe biopsy of both patients. It is suggested that these patients are examples of a chronic form of measles meningoencephalitis hitherto undescribed.
Insights
This study describes a chronic measles meningoencephalitis in two patients presenting with progressive dementia and ataxia. Findings suggest a previously unrecognized slow measles virus infection of the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic progressive neurological illnesses can present with diverse symptoms including dementia and ataxia.
- Viral infections are known causes of central nervous system disease, but chronic forms are less common.
Observation:
- Two patients exhibited progressive dementia, ataxia, and spasticity without myoclonic jerks or abnormal electroencephalograms (EEG).
- Brain biopsies revealed viral meningoencephalitis with perivenous demyelination.
Findings:
- Serological tests confirmed measles virus infection in both patients.
- Measles virus nucleocapsid-like structures were observed in one biopsy.
- Immunofluorescent staining detected measles antibodies in brain tissue from both patients.
Implications:
- These cases suggest a chronic, previously undescribed form of measles meningoencephalitis.
- This highlights the potential for measles virus to cause persistent neurological disease.