Residual encephalopathy following roseola infantum.

Abstract

Introduction Roseola infantum, first described by Zahorsky1in 1913, is generally considered a benign disease; indeed, Kempe2noted there are no reported fatalities. Serious sequelae are usually stated to be virtually nonexistent. However, the possibility has been suggested in a comprehensive view of the subject,3that some of the sudden deaths in infancy may be caused by roseola. No clear instances of this have been reported, no doubt owing to the difficulties of making a positive identification of the disease in the preeruptive stage and the inability to isolate the virus in tissue culture. Roseola infantum is the commonest exanthem under the age of 2 years, and infection is perhaps almost universal before the age of 5 years.3The disease is characterized by the relative absence of prefebrile prodromata, an abrupt onset, and a rapid temperature rise. Irritibility and listlessness are variable; the patient is usually