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Loesch-Biffar AM, Junker A, Linn J, Thon N, Heck S, Ottomeyer C, Straube A, Pfister HW. Case Report: Minimal Neurological Deficit of Two Adult Patients With Weston-Hurst Syndrome Due to Early Craniectomy: Case Series and Review of Literature on Craniectomy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:673611. [PMID: 34531810 PMCID: PMC8438150 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.673611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We describe two new cases of acute hemorrhagic leucoencephalitis (AHLE), who survived with minimal sequelae due to early measures against increased intracranial pressure, particularly craniotomy. The recently published literature review on treatment and outcome of AHLE was further examined for the effect of craniotomy. Methods: We present two cases from our institution. The outcome of 44 cases from the literature was defined either as good (no deficit, minimal deficit/no daily help) or poor outcome (severe deficit/disabled, death). Patients with purely infratentorial lesions (n = 9) were excluded. Fisher's exact test was applied. Results: Two cases are presented: A 43-year-old woman with rapidly progressive aphasia and right hemiparesis due to a huge left frontal white matter lesion with rim contrast enhancement. Pathology was consistent with AHLE. The second case was a 56-year-old woman with rapidly progressive aphasia and right hemiparesis. Cranial MRI showed a huge left temporo-occipital white matter lesion with typical morphology for AHLE. Both patients received craniotomy within the first 24 h and consequent immunosuppressive-immunomodulatory treatment and survived with minimal deficits. Out of 35 supratentorial reported AHLE cases, seven patients received decompressive craniotomy. Comparing all supratentorial cases, patients who received craniotomy were more likely to have a good outcome (71 vs. 29%). Conclusion: Due to early control of the intracranial pressure, particularly due to early craniotomy; diagnosis per biopsy; and immediate start of immunosuppressive-immunomodulatory therapies (cortisone pulse, plasma exchanges), both patients survived with minimal sequelae. Craniotomy plays an important role and should be considered early on in patients with probable AHLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mira Loesch-Biffar
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Junker
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jennifer Linn
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Niklas Thon
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Suzette Heck
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Ottomeyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Straube
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Walter Pfister
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Grzonka P, Scholz MC, De Marchis GM, Tisljar K, Rüegg S, Marsch S, Fladt J, Sutter R. Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis: A Case and Systematic Review of the Literature. Front Neurol 2020; 11:899. [PMID: 32973663 PMCID: PMC7468463 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To present a patient with acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) and a systematic review of the literature analyzing diagnostic procedures, treatment, and outcomes of AHLE. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane databases were screened. Papers published since 01/01/2000 describing adult patients are reported according to the PRISMA-guidelines. Results: A 59-year old male with rapidly developing coma and cerebral biopsy changes compatible with AHLE is presented followed by 43 case reports from the literature including males in 67% and a mean age of 38 years. Mortality was 47%. Infectious pathogens were reported in 35%, preexisting autoimmune diseases were identified in 12%. Neuroimaging revealed uni- or bihemispheric lesions in 65% and isolated lesions of the cerebellum, pons, medulla oblongata or the spinal cord without concomitant hemispheric involvement in 16%. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid showed an increased protein level in 87%, elevated white blood cells in 65%, and erythrocytes in 39%. Histology (reported in 58%) supported the diagnosis of AHLE in all cases. Glucocorticoids were used most commonly (97%), followed by plasmapheresis (26%), and intravenous immunoglobulins (12%), without a clear temporal relationship between treatment and the patients' clinical course. Conclusions: Although mortality was lower than previously reported, AHLE remains a life-threatening neurologic emergency with high mortality. Diagnosis is challenging as the level of evidence regarding the diagnostic yield of clinical, neuroimaging and laboratory characteristics remains low. Hence, clinicians are urged to heighten their awareness and to prompt cerebral biopsies in the context of rapidly progressive neurologic decline of unknown origin with the concurrence of the compiled characteristics. Future studies need to focus on treatment characteristics and their effects on course and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Grzonka
- Intensive Care Units, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marleen C Scholz
- Intensive Care Units, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gian Marco De Marchis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kai Tisljar
- Intensive Care Units, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Rüegg
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Marsch
- Intensive Care Units, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Fladt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raoul Sutter
- Intensive Care Units, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Bertrand A, Leclercq D, Martinez-Almoyna L, Girard N, Stahl JP, De-Broucker T. MR imaging of adult acute infectious encephalitis. Med Mal Infect 2017; 47:195-205. [PMID: 28268128 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imaging is a key tool for the diagnosis of acute encephalitis. Brain CT scan must be urgently performed to rule out a brain lesion with mass effect that would contraindicate lumbar puncture. Brain MRI is less accessible than CT scan, but can provide crucial information with patients presenting with acute encephalitis. METHOD We performed a literature review on PubMed on April 1, 2015 with the search terms "MRI" and "encephalitis". RESULTS We first described the various brain MRI abnormalities associated with each pathogen of acute encephalitis (HSV, VZV, other viral agents targeting immunocompromised patients or travelers; tuberculosis, listeriosis, other less frequent bacterial agents). Then, we identified specific patterns of brain MRI abnomalies that may suggest a particular pathogen. Limbic encephalitis is highly suggestive of HSV; it also occurs less frequently in encephalitis due to HHV6, syphillis, Whipple's disease and HIV primary infection. Rhombencephalitis is suggestive of tuberculosis and listeriosis. Acute ischemic lesions can occur in patients presenting with severe bacterial encephalitis, tuberculosis, VZV encephalitis, syphilis, and fungal infections. CONCLUSION Brain MRI plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of acute encephalitis. It detects brain signal changes that reinforce the clinical suspicion of encephalitis, especially when the causative agent is not identified by lumbar puncture; it can suggest a particular pathogen based on the pattern of brain abnormalities and it rules out important differential diagnosis (vascular, tumoral or inflammatory causes).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bertrand
- Service de neuroradiologie diagnostique et fonctionnelle, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard de l'hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France; Sorbonne universités, UPMC université Paris 06, Inserm, CNRS, institut du cerveau et la moelle (ICM), Inria Paris, Aramis project-team, 75013 Paris, France
| | - D Leclercq
- Service de neuroradiologie diagnostique et fonctionnelle, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83 boulevard de l'hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13, France
| | | | - N Girard
- Service de neuroradiologie, CHU La-Timone, AP-HM, 13015 Marseille, France
| | - J-P Stahl
- Service d'infectiologie, CHU de Grenoble, « European study Group for the Infections of the Brain (ESGIB) », 38043 Grenoble, France.
| | - T De-Broucker
- Service de neurologie, CH Saint-Denis, BP 279, 93205, France
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Khademi GR, Aelami MH. Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis in Children: A Case Report. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 41:245-8. [PMID: 27217610 PMCID: PMC4876304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a rare demyelinating disease characterized by an acute rapidly progressive fulminant inflammation of the white matter. In this case report, we introduce a case of AHLE in children with an interesting and lengthy process and successful treatment. A previously healthy 13-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital because of fever and loss of consciousness. After 4 days, she was referred to our pediatric intensive care unit in Mashhad, Iran. On admission, she had right-sided parotiditis. With a diagnosis of AHLE, our patient was treated with methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, acyclovir, and plasmapheresis. AHLE is a rare and severe demyelinating disease, the mortality and morbidity of which can be decreased by early detection and treatment with steroid therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, acyclovir, and plasmapheresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholam Reza Khademi
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Sheikh Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Aelami
- Department of Pediatrics & Infection Control and Hand Hygiene Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Correspondence: Mohammad Hasan Aelami, MD; Department of Pediatrics, Imam Reza Hospital, Imam Reza Square, Khorasan Razavi, Mashhad, Iran Tel: +98 51 37273943 Fax: +98 51 37277470
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Magun R, Verschoor CP, Bowdish DME, Provias J. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a trigger for Weston Hurst syndrome. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2016; 3:e187. [PMID: 26819961 PMCID: PMC4723134 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: We report a case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection as one possible trigger for Weston Hurst syndrome (acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis), a rare disorder of microvascular injury often described as a postinfectious complication of an upper respiratory illness. Methods: This is a case of a 27-year-old man presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and an acute head CT revealing extensive vasogenic edema in the right hemisphere associated with mass effect in the context of a recent upper respiratory illness. Right frontal biopsy was performed on day 2, which showed acute cerebritis, and the patient was aggressively treated with antibiotics. However, over the next 5 days from presentation, the vasogenic edema increased, leading ultimately to brain herniation and death. Results: A full autopsy was performed at 5 days from presentation, which showed areas of vessel wall fibrinoid necrosis throughout the right hemisphere as well as, but less so, in the left frontal lobe and pons. Chest x-ray on presentation revealed atypical pneumonia, blood tests were positive for cold agglutinins, and at full autopsy, there was myocarditis, all in keeping with recent M pneumoniae infection. DNA obtained from lung and diseased brain (postmortem) was positive for Mycoplasma providing more direct evidence for brain invasion by this organism as the ultimate trigger for Weston Hurst syndrome. Conclusions: This is a rare case report of Weston Hurst syndrome having both initial brain biopsy on day 2 and full autopsy results on day 5 of presentation revealing important clinical clues about the pathogenesis of this often fatal disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Magun
- Department of Neurology (R.M.), McMaster Immunology Research Centre (C.P.V., D.M.E.B.), and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Neuropathology) (J.P.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris P Verschoor
- Department of Neurology (R.M.), McMaster Immunology Research Centre (C.P.V., D.M.E.B.), and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Neuropathology) (J.P.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Department of Neurology (R.M.), McMaster Immunology Research Centre (C.P.V., D.M.E.B.), and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Neuropathology) (J.P.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Provias
- Department of Neurology (R.M.), McMaster Immunology Research Centre (C.P.V., D.M.E.B.), and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Neuropathology) (J.P.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Babik JM, Katrak S, Miller S, Shah M, Chin-Hong P. Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis in a renal transplant recipient manifesting as hemorrhagic, ring-enhancing mass lesions. Transpl Infect Dis 2015; 17:744-50. [PMID: 26252540 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis has been infrequently described in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report a unique case of biopsy-proven EBV encephalitis in a renal transplant recipient presenting with altered mental status, prominent visual disturbances, and hemorrhagic, ring-enhancing mass lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was successfully treated with a prolonged course of antivirals. This case illustrates the difficulty in interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid EBV polymerase chain reaction assay, given the lack of specificity in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Babik
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - S Katrak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - S Miller
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - M Shah
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - P Chin-Hong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Goenka A, Michael BD, Ledger E, Hart IJ, Absoud M, Chow G, Lilleker J, Lunn M, McKee D, Peake D, Pysden K, Roberts M, Carrol ED, Lim M, Avula S, Solomon T, Kneen R. Neurological manifestations of influenza infection in children and adults: results of a National British Surveillance Study. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 58:775-84. [PMID: 24352349 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 was met with increased reports of associated neurological manifestations. We aimed to describe neurological manifestations of influenza in adults and children in the United Kingdom that presented at this time. METHODS A 2-year surveillance study was undertaken through the British adult and pediatric neurological surveillance units from February 2011. Patients were included if they met clinical case definitions within 1 month of proven influenza infection. RESULTS Twenty-five cases were identified: 21 (84%) in children and 4 (16%) in adults. Six (29%) children had preexisting neurological disorders. Polymerase chain reaction of respiratory secretions identified influenza A in 21 (81%; 20 of which [95%] were H1N1) and influenza B in 4 (15%). Twelve children had encephalopathy (1 with movement disorder), 8 had encephalitis, and 1 had meningoencephalitis. Two adults had encephalopathy with movement disorder, 1 had encephalitis, and 1 had Guillain-Barré syndrome. Seven individuals (6 children) had specific acute encephalopathy syndromes (4 acute necrotizing encephalopathy, 1 acute infantile encephalopathy predominantly affecting the frontal lobes, 1 hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy, 1 acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy). Twenty (80%) required intensive care, 17 (68%) had poor outcome, and 4 (16%) died. CONCLUSIONS This surveillance study described a cohort of adults and children with neurological manifestations of influenza. The majority were due to H1N1. More children than adults were identified; many children had specific encephalopathy syndromes with poor outcomes. None had been vaccinated, although 8 (32%) had indications for this. A modified classification system is proposed based on our data and the increasing spectrum of recognized acute encephalopathy syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Goenka
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool
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Dysphagia and right leg weakness in a renal transplant patient. J Clin Virol 2013; 58:363-6. [PMID: 23582985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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