Unusual causes of paediatric encephalitis – Is it more common than we think?

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

We present three cases (one of EBV and two of influenza) of paediatric encephalitis that presented with febrile illness and seizures and/or altered consciousness, with other acute neurological signs. EBV DNA was detected in the CSF of one case, and influenza A RNA was detected in the respiratory samples of the other two cases. All had MRI findings consistent with a diagnosis of viral encephalitis. Specifically, one of the influenza cases was diagnosed with A(H1N1) acute necrotizing encephalitis resulting in severe long-term disability and a likely evolving cerebral palsy. The other two patients eventually made a full recovery. All patients received some form of empirical antiviral treatment and/or immune-modulating therapy. Earlier recognition, diagnosis and treatment of such cases may reduce the severity of clinical disease and, potentially, any longer-term disability.