INFLUENZA A/H1N1 ENCEPHALITIS

Abstract

Influenza virus A/H1N1 infection is currently spreading. Known complications after influenza infections are pneumonitis, secondary bacterial pneumonia, myositis, perimyocarditis, and nervous complications, notably encephalitis.1 It has been suggested that influenza virus has a role in the mysterious encephalitis lethargica. ### Case report. A 21-year-old woman with unrevealing medical history was admitted to our department with acute confusional state, fever, and cough, starting 6 days earlier. On admission, she was noncooperative, mumbling continuously, and had a frequent nonproductive cough. Physical examination revealed body temperature of 39.5°C and bilateral bronchial breathing sounds without dyspnea. The rest of the physical and neurologic examination results were normal. Laboratory studies showed leukopenia of 1.9–3.1 103/μL (normal range 4.0–11.0), lymphopenia of 0.4–0.7 103/μL (normal range 1.2–3.0), and thrombocytopenia (127,000; normal range 150,000–450,000). C-reactive protein was 69–105. Hemoglobin and liver and kidney function studies had normal results. The CSF (from a lumbar puncture performed on admission) was clear with 20 leukocytes (60% neutrophils) and normal protein and glucose contents. Chest X-ray study showed …