Neonatal Human Parechovirus Encephalitis: A Case of Rapid and Fatal Gliosis

Abstract

Human parechovirus (HpEV) is a well-established cause of neonatal viral encephalitis, highlighted in recent years for its unique imaging features that mimic other neonatal pathologies like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and metabolic conditions.1 The clinical presentation of this viral encephalitis classically involves non-specific manifestations including seizure, apnea, irritability, fever and rash.2 While virologic studies of blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and stool are mainstays of diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often an early clue to illness etiology.