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[Focal brain lesion accompanied by exanthema subitum: report of two cases]
1Department of Pediatrics, Urafune Hospital of Yokohama City University, Yokohama.
Abstract:
We report two cases with exanthem subitum in which hemioaresis developed during the acute infectious phase. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a cerebral ischemic infarct in the territory of the right lenticulostriate artery in one patient. Along the right temporal and parieto-occipital cortex of the other patient, there were high-signal-intensity lesions on T2-weighted images, which showed marked enhancement by gadolinium on T1-weighted images. These findings suggested that the brain lesions were caused by vasculopathy that accompanied human herpes virus-6 infection.
Insights
Exanthem subitum (roseola infantum) can cause hemiparesis in children. Human herpesvirus-6 infection may lead to vasculopathy and brain lesions, as seen in two reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Exanthem subitum, commonly known as roseola infantum, is a frequent childhood illness.
- Neurological complications are rare but can be severe.
Observation:
- Two cases of hemiparesis during the acute phase of exanthem subitum are presented.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to investigate the neurological findings.
Findings:
- One patient exhibited a cerebral ischemic infarct in the right lenticulostriate artery territory.
- The second patient displayed high-signal-intensity lesions in the right temporal and parieto-occipital cortex, with gadolinium enhancement.
- These imaging findings suggest vasculopathy associated with human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection.
Implications:
- This study highlights a potential link between HHV-6 infection and cerebrovascular complications in children.
- Early recognition of vasculopathy in the context of exanthem subitum is crucial for timely intervention.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of HHV-6-associated vasculopathy and its long-term neurological sequelae.