Chikungunya associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy in an adolescent: Expanding the neurological spectrum of the virus.
Bablu Kumar Gaur, Vidushi Chaudhary, Shruti Jain et al.
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Case in brief
A 12-year-old girl presented with fever, joint pain, and myalgia, which progressed to multiple convulsions and altered sensorium. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was non-specific, but MRI revealed bilaterally symmetrical hyperintense lesions indicative of acute necrotizing encephalopathy. PCR confirmed Chikungunya virus in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patient improved with multimodal treatment, including corticosteroids.
What made this case unusual
This case highlights the association of Chikungunya virus with acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare neurological complication not well documented in existing literature.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider Chikungunya virus as a potential cause of acute necrotizing encephalopathy in patients presenting with fever and neurological symptoms.
Why it matters
Recognizing this association can aid in timely diagnosis and management of similar cases, expanding the understanding of Chikungunya's neurological impact.