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Transient extreme spindles in a case of subacute Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis

S Akaboshi1, T Koeda, S Houdou

  • 1Division of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan. akaboshi@grape.med.tottori-u.ac.jp

Acta Paediatrica Japonica : Overseas Edition
|November 20, 1998
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae encephalitis in a child, presenting with delirium and unusual EEG findings. Extreme spindles observed during sleep correlated with delirium severity, a novel finding in encephalitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) encephalitis is a rare neurological complication.
  • Delirium in children can manifest with various symptoms including somnolence, irritability, agitation, and visual hallucinations.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy presented with acute delirium.
  • Diagnosis of MP encephalitis was confirmed by elevated MP-antibody titers.
  • Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed continuous 9 Hz fast wave activity (extreme spindles) during sleep.

Findings:

  • The observed extreme spindles showed a parallel correlation with the severity of the patient's delirium.
  • This association between extreme spindles and delirium severity is a novel observation in MP encephalitis.
  • Transient extreme spindles have not been previously documented in MP or other forms of encephalitis.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential new EEG biomarker for delirium severity in MP encephalitis.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanism linking extreme spindles and delirium in this condition.
  • Recognizing this association may aid in the diagnosis and management of pediatric encephalitis.

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