Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in spotted fever group of rickettsial infection with brugada syndrome

Abstract

Rickettsioses are one of the common causes of undifferentiated febrile illness. Patients present commonly with fever, rash, and eschar. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) also known as reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome is a rare condition, in which parts of the brain are affected by swelling as a result of an underlying cause such as infection. However, PRES caused by spotted fever group of rickettsiosis is rarely reported. We are here with reporting such a case. A 55-year-old male was admitted to MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru, with complaints of fever for 3 days and one episode of Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures (GTCS) following which he was in altered sensorium. On examination, there was hepatosplenomegaly. Weil-Felix OX19 and OX2 were 1:320. Lumbar puncture was done which showed 15 cells 98% lymphocytes and 2% neutrophils, proteins-119 mg/dl, and sugar- 153 mg/dl. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed bilateral symmetric hyperintensities on T2-weighted imaging in the parietal and occipital lobes. The calcarine and occipital lobes were spared suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in V1 and V2 along with T-wave inversion (Brugada sign). Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is usually commonly seen in hypertensive encephalopathy and in infections such as dengue and few cases of scrub typhus. This is one of the rare cases where spotted fever group of rickettsia has caused posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and Brugada syndrome.