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Rotavirus encephalitis mimicking afebrile benign convulsions in infants
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sugitani, Japan.
Pediatric Neurology
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Rotavirus gastroenteritis in a 2-year-old boy was linked to seizures and encephalitis, confirmed by rotavirus detection in cerebrospinal fluid. The child recovered fully with no lasting effects, suggesting a potential mimic of benign infantile epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
- Seizures can be a rare neurological complication of viral infections.
- Distinguishing between infectious and idiopathic epilepsy in children is crucial.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old boy presented with afebrile partial seizures secondary to rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed rotavirus genome and anti-rotavirus IgG.
- Neuroimaging suggested encephalitis, with specific rotavirus genotypes VP4 (P8) and VP7 (G4) identified.
Findings:
- Detection of rotavirus in cerebrospinal fluid confirms a direct link to the neurological event.
- The patient's seizures were effectively managed with standard antiepileptic drugs.
- Complete recovery and normal development were observed, with no physical or neurological sequelae.
Implications:
- This case highlights rotavirus as a potential cause of encephalitis and seizures in children.
- The clinical presentation mimicked benign infantile partial epilepsy, emphasizing the need for thorough etiological investigation.
- Understanding the neurological manifestations of rotavirus is important for accurate diagnosis and management in pediatric neurology.