Transient splenial lesion of the corpus callosum in H1N1 influenza virus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy

Intern Med. 2011;50(8):915-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.4147. Epub 2011 Apr 15.

Abstract

A 26-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of high fever, drowsiness, memory disturbance, and disorientation due to H1N1 influenza virus-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy. All of his symptoms rapidly improved following methylprednisolone pulse therapy. The diffusion-weighted image of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large transient hyperintense signal lesion on the central splenium of the corpus callosum. This MRI finding in conjunction with a complete clinical recovery has been previously observed in cases of clinically mild seasonal influenza-associated encephalitis/encephalopathy, and can be also a useful clue for the diagnosis of new type of influenza, H1N1 influenza virus infection complicated by encephalitis/encephalopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Corpus Callosum / pathology*
  • Creatine Kinase / blood
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Encephalitis, Viral / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis, Viral / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis, Viral / etiology
  • Encephalitis, Viral / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype*
  • Influenza, Human / complications
  • Influenza, Human / pathology*
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Rhabdomyolysis / enzymology
  • Rhabdomyolysis / etiology

Substances

  • Creatine Kinase
  • Methylprednisolone