Enfermedad de neuro-Behçet con paquimeningitis en una niña / Neuro-Behçet disease presented with pachymeningitis in a child

La enfermedad de Behçet (EB) es un trastorno de vasculitis sistémica poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida, que se caracteriza por la presencia de aftas bucales, úlceras genitales y uveítis recurrentes. Afecta los sistemas nerviosos central y periférico; raramente se produce durante la niñez. La meningitis aséptica aguda aislada es muy poco frecuente. En este artículo, se describe el caso de una paciente de 14 años con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Behçet con afectación neurológica (neuro-Behçet). La paciente tenía cefalea aguda, diplopia, papiledema e irritación meníngea. Tenía antecedentes de úlceras bucales recurrentes. Las imágenes por resonancia magnética de cerebro revelaron paquimeningitis. Los hallazgos en el líquido cefalorraquídeo fueron pleocitosis y aumento de la presión. Pese al tratamiento médico, sus síntomas no se resolvieron. No se detectó uveítis y la prueba de patergia fue negativa. El alelo HLA-B51 fue positivo. Se consideró que los hallazgos apuntaban a la poco frecuente enfermedad de Behçet con afectación neurológica. La paciente mejoró drásticamente luego del tratamiento con corticoesteroides. En el diagnóstico diferencial de meningitis, se debe considerar la EB, a menos que se demuestre la presencia de un agente infeccioso. Hasta donde sabemos, anteriormente no se había descrito un caso de paquimeningitis con neuro-Behçet en la población pediátrica.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare systemic vasculitis disorder of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent oral and genital apthae and uveitis. It involves the central or peripheral nervous system; occurs rarely during childhood. Isolated acute aseptic meningitis is extremely uncommon. We report here a case of Neuro-Behçet disease (NBD) diagnosed in a 14-year-old girl. The patient presented acute headache, diplopia, papilla edema, and meningeal irritation. She had a history of recurrent oral ulcers. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed pachymeningitis. Pleocytosis and pressure increase were the cerebrospinal fluid findings. Although medical therapy, her complaints were not resolved. Uveitis was not detected, pathergy test was negative. HLA-B51 allele was positive. The findings were considered to unusual NBD. The patient improved dramatically after steroid therapy. BD should be considered in differential diagnosis of meningitis unless an infectious agent is demonstrated. To our knowledge, a case of pachymeningitis with NBD, was not described in children.

Ibuprofen-induced aseptic meningitis: a case report / Meningite asséptica induzida por ibuprofeno: um caso clínico

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a case of a male adolescent with the diagnosis of ibuprofen-induced meningitis. We discuss themain causes of drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) and highlight the importance of early recognition of DIAM, sothat the offending drug can be withdrawn, and recurrences prevented. Only few DIAM cases have been reported in pediatric age. Case description: A healthy 15-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with headache, nausea, dizziness, fever, conjunctival hyperemia and blurred vision 30 minutes after ibuprofen-intake. During his stay, he developed emesis and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis excluded infectious causes, and DIAM was considered. He totally recovered after drug withdrawal. Comments: DIAM is a rare entity, that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an aseptic meningitis. The major causative agents are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly ibuprofen. Suspicion is made by the chronologic link between drug intake and the beginning of symptoms, but infectious causes should always be ruled out.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descreve-se o caso de um adolescente do sexo masculino com diagnóstico de meningite asséptica por ibuprofeno. Discutem-se as causas de meningite asséptica induzida por medicamentos (MAIM) e a importância do reconhecimento precoce dessa situação, para que a medicação envolvida seja suspensa e as recorrências prevenidas. Poucos casos foram descritos em idade pediátrica. Descrição do caso: Adolescente de 15 anos, gênero masculino, saudável, procurou o serviço de urgência por cefaleia, náuseas, tonturas, febre, hiperemia conjuntival e visão desfocada 30 minutos após o uso de ibuprofeno. Durante a internação, iniciou vômitos e rigidez na nuca. A análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano excluiu causas infeciosas, e considerou-se como diagnóstico mais provável a MAIM. A recuperação foi total após a suspensão do medicamento. Comentários: A MAIM é rara, mas deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de meningite asséptica. A principal causa são os anti-inflamatórios não esteroides, principalmente o ibuprofeno. A suspeita clínica é evocada pela relação temporal entre o uso do medicamento e o início dos sintomas, mas as causas infeciosas devem ser sempre excluídas.

Meningite recorrente de Mollaret: uma revisão / Mollaret's recurrent meningitis: an overview

A meningite recorrente linfocítica benigna ou meningite de Mollaret, inicialmente descrita pelo neurologista francês Pierre Mollaret em 1944, é uma condição relativamente rara, benigna mas incapacitante durante os seus períodos de agudização. Trata-se de quadro inflamatório meníngeo recorrente devido a reativação de infecção pelo herpes simples vírus, particularmente o herpesvirus do tipo 2 (HSV-2). Pode ser reconhecida a partir do seu quadro clínico de meningismo agudo, perfil liquórico linfocítico e identificação do genoma viral por PCR no líquor. Aciclovir e seus derivados podem ser utilizado no seu tratamento ou na sua profilaxia. Sua identificação é importante no sentido de se excluir outras causas de quadros meníngeos recorrentes.

Benign recurrent lymphocytic meningitis or Mollaret's meningitis (MM) was frst described by the French neurologist Pierre Mollaret in 1944. MM is a relatively rare, benign but disabling condition. MM is a recurrent meningeal inflammatory illness due to reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection, particularly herpesvirus type 2 (HSV-2). It can be recognized from its clinical picture of acute meningism, lymphocytic CSF profle and by the identifcation of the viral genome in the CSF by PCR. Acyclovir and its derivatives may be used for its treatment or prophylaxis. The identifcation of MM is important in order to exclude other causes of recurrent meningeal conditions.

Enterovirus asociados a Afecciones del Sistema Nervioso Central confirmados por biología molecular / Enteroviruses associated with Central Nervous System Infections confirmed by molecular biology

Aproximadamente 90% de las meningitis asépticas son causadas por enterovirus (EV), miembro de la familia de los picornavirus. Los EV son ubicuos, se diseminan por vía fecal-oral y contacto directo, responsables de brotes o casos esporádicos con importante morbilidad. El diagnóstico se basa en la presentación clínica, imágenes, estudio citoquímico del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR), gold estándard que reemplaza al aislamiento viral y la serología. El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo de corte transversal fue determinar la presencia de EV por RT-PCR en el LCR de pacientes con sospecha clínica de meningitis aséptica, internados en servicios públicos y privados de Asunción y departamento Central del Paraguay de noviembre de 2007 a noviembre de 2014. El material genético fue extraído mediante el mini kit ADN y ARN Qiagen® que fue sometido a RT-PCR. Se incluyeron LCR de 203 pacientes, 124 (61%) niños (4 días-15 años) y 79 (39%) adultos (16-81 años). Setenta y siete (38%) provenían de servicios públicos y 126 (62%) de privados; 115 (57%) fueron varones. Se detectó RNA de EV en 166 (82%) pacientes, 90 niños y 76 adultos, y mayor número de casos entre los meses de octubre a abril. Este es el primer trabajo en el país y muestra una importante participación del EV en pacientes por infecciones del SNC compatibles con meningitis asépticas de etiología viral. La sospecha clínica fue mayor en niños, sin embargo la proporción de resultados positivos fue mayor en adultos. Se observó mayor circulación en los meses cálidos(AU)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: manifestaciones neurológicas y controversias diagnósticas. A propósito de un caso / Mycoplasma pneumoniae: neurologic manifestations and diagnostic controversies. A case report

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) es el agente causal de un 30% de las manifestaciones respiratorias de la población general. La neumonía ocupa el primer lugar dentro de este grupo. Las manifestaciones neurológicas representan las formas más frecuentes de presentación clínica extrapulmonar (40%). Las encefalitis y meningoencefalitis son las formas más habituales de sintomatología neurológica asociada a infección por Mp. La presentación de más de una variante clínica en un mismo paciente asociada a primoinfección por Mp es posible. El diagnóstico serológico plantea, habitualmente, controversias en su interpretación. A partir del caso de una niña de 7 años con inyección conjuntival, adenopatía cervical, rash descamativo y fotofobia con "pseudoedema de papila bilateral", que desarrolla durante su evolución parálisis facial periférica y meningitis aséptica, se analizarán las controversias que se plantean en relación con la interpretación diagnóstica asociada al compromiso neurológico por Mp.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is responsible for 30% of the respiratory manifestations of the general population. Pneumonia occupies the first place within this group. Among the extra-respiratory forms (40%), the neurological ones are the most frequent. Meningoencephalitis and aseptic meningitis are the most common. The presentation of more than one clinical variant in the same patient associated with primoinfection by Mp is possible. In relation to the serological diagnosis, controversies in interpretation sometimes occur. This is a 7-year-old girl with conjunctival injection, cervical adenopathy, photophobia with bilateral papilla pseudoedema, and scaly rash that develops peripheral facial paralysis and aseptic meningitis. We will discuss diagnostic controversies.

Utilização de escore e dosagem de lactato no líquor para diagnóstico diferencial entre meningite bacteriana e meningite asséptica / Use of score and cerebrospinal fluid lactate dosage in differential diagnosis of bacterial and aseptic meningitis

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o Escore para Meningite Bacteriana (EMB) isolado e associado ao valor do lactato no líquor para diferenciar meningite bacteriana (MB) e meningite asséptica (MA). Métodos: Foram selecionadas crianças com meningite atendidas em hospital terciário privado entre janeiro de 2011 e dezembro de 2014. Os dados foram obtidos na admissão. Utilizou-se o EMB com: coloração de Gram no líquor (2 pontos); neutrófilos no líquor ≥1.000 células/mm3 (1 ponto); proteína no líquor ≥80 mg/dL (1 ponto); neutrófilos no sangue periférico ≥10.000 células/mm3 (1 ponto); e convulsão durante/antes da chegada (1 ponto). Analisou-se também o lactato no líquor (elevado: ≥30 mg/dL). Avaliaram-se sensibilidade, especificidade e valor preditivo negativo de diversos valores de corte do EMB e do EMB associado ao lactato elevado para prever MB. Resultados: Dos 439 pacientes elegíveis, 94 não tinham todos os dados necessários para o escore, sendo 345 pacientes selecionados: 7 no grupo de MB e 338 no de MA. Como preditivos de MB, o EMB ≥1 mostrou sensibilidade de 100% (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 47,3-100), especificidade de 64,2% (58,8-100) e valor preditivo negativo de 100% (97,5-100), enquanto o EMB ≥2 ou EMB ≥1 associado a lactato liquórico ≥30 mg/dL mostrou sensibilidade de 100% (47,3-100), especificidade de 98,5% (96,6-99,5) e valor preditivo negativo de 100% (98,3-100). Conclusões: O EMB com 2 pontos associado à dosagem de lactato no líquor manteve a sensibilidade e o valor preditivo negativo, ao passo que aumentou a especificidade para identificar meningites bacterianas em relação à utilização do EMB com 1 ponto.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate Bacterial Meningitis Score (BMS) on its own and in association with Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) lactate dosage in order to distinguish bacterial from aseptic meningitis. Methods: Children diagnosed with meningitis at a tertiary hospital between January/2011 and December/2014 were selected. All data were obtained upon admission. BMS was applied and included: CSF Gram staining (2 points); CSF neutrophil count ≥1,000 cells/mm3 (1 point); CSF protein ≥80 mg/dL (1 point); peripheral blood neutrophil count ≥10,000 cells/mm3 (1 point) and seizures upon/before arrival (1 point). Cutoff value for CSF lactate was ≥30 mg/dL. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of several BMS cutoffs and BMS associated with high CSF lactate were evaluated for prediction of bacterial meningitis. Results: Among 439 eligible patients, 94 did not have all data available to complete the score, and 345 patients were included: 7 in bacterial meningitis group and 338 in aseptic meningitis group. As predictive factors of bacterial meningitis, BMS ≥1 had 100% sensitivity (95%CI 47.3-100), 64.2% specificity (58.8-100) and 100% negative predictive value (97.5-100); BMS ≥2 or BMS ≥1 associated with high CSF lactate also showed 100% sensitivity (47.3-100); but 98.5% specificity (96.6-99.5) and 100% negative predictive value (98.3-100). Conclusions: 2 point BMS in association with CSF lactate dosage had the same sensitivity and negative predictive value, with increased specificity for diagnosis of bacterial meningitis when compared with 1-point BMS.

Comparison of enterovirus detection in cerebrospinal fluid with Bacterial Meningitis Score in children / Comparação da pesquisa de enterovírus no liquor com Escore de Meningite Bacteriana em crianças

ABSTRACT Objective To measure the role of enterovirus detection in cerebrospinal fluid compared with the Bacterial Meningitis Score in children with meningitis. Methods A retrospective cohort based on analysis of medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed as meningitis, seen at a private and tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2011 and 2014. Excluded were patients with critical illness, purpura, ventricular shunt or recent neurosurgery, immunosuppression, concomitant bacterial infection requiring parenteral antibiotic therapy, and those who received antibiotics 72 hours before lumbar puncture. Results The study included 503 patients. Sixty-four patients were excluded and 94 were not submitted to all tests for analysis. Of the remaining 345 patients, 7 were in the Bacterial Meningitis Group and 338 in the Aseptic Meningitis Group. There was no statistical difference between the groups. In the Bacterial Meningitis Score analysis, of the 338 patients with possible aseptic meningitis (negative cultures), 121 of them had one or more points in the Bacterial Meningitis Score, with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 64.2%, and negative predictive value of 100%. Of the 121 patients with positive Bacterial Meningitis Score, 71% (86 patients) had a positive enterovirus detection in cerebrospinal fluid. Conclusion Enterovirus detection in cerebrospinal fluid was effective to differentiate bacterial from viral meningitis. When the test was analyzed together with the Bacterial Meningitis Score, specificity was higher when compared to Bacterial Meningitis Score alone.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o papel da pesquisa de enterovírus no líquido cefalorraquidiano em comparação com o Escore de Meningite Bacteriana em crianças com meningite. Métodos Coorte retrospectiva, realizada pela análise de prontuários, incluindo pacientes pediátricos, com diagnóstico de meningite e atendidos em um hospital privado e terciário, localizado em São Paulo, entre 2011 e 2014. Foram excluídos os pacientes com doença crítica, púrpura, derivação ventricular ou neurocirurgia recente, imunossupressão, outra infecção bacteriana concomitante que necessitasse de antibioticoterapia parenteral e aqueles que receberam antibiótico 72 horas antes da punção lombar. Resultados Foram incluídos no estudo 503 pacientes. Destes, 64 foram excluídos e 94 não realizaram todos os exames para análise. Dos 345 pacientes restantes, 7 ficaram no Grupo de Meningite Bacteriana e 338 no Grupo de Meningite Asséptica. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos. Na análise do Escore de Meningite Bacteriana, dos 338 pacientes com possível meningite asséptica (culturas negativas), 121 deles tiveram um ou mais pontos para o Escore de Meningite Bacteriana, com valor de sensibilidade de 100%, especificidade de 64,2% e valor preditivo negativo de 100%. Dos 121 pacientes com Escore de Meningite Bacteriana positivo, 71% (86 pacientes) tiveram a pesquisa de enterovírus positiva no líquido cefalorraquidiano. Conclusão A pesquisa de enterovírus no líquido cefalorraquidiano mostrou-se eficaz em diferenciar a meningite bacteriana da viral. Analisada junto com o Escore de Meningite Bacteriana, a especificidade foi maior em comparação ao Escore de Meningite Bacteriana isolado.

Parâmetros laboratoriais do líquido cefalorraquidiano em indivíduos com meningite por enterovírus / Laboratory parameters of cerebrospinal fluid in individuals with enterovirus meningitis

A meningite é a principal síndrome infecciosa que afeta o sistema nervoso central, e grande parte dos casos são ocasionados por infecções virais, principalmente por Enterovirus. O diagnóstico clínico para a verificação da etiologia da meningite ainda apresenta grandes desafios. O teste de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase, leucócitos, hemácias, glicose, proteína e lactato no líquido cefalorraquidiano fornecem os primeiros indícios para o diagnóstico. No entanto, os valores de referência de alguns parâmetros podem sofrer alteraçõesOBJETIVO: Verificar parâmetros laboratoriais do líquido cefalorraquidiano em indivíduos com meningite por Enterovirus e, posteriormente, analisar suas relações por faixa etáriaMÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, com base nos dados do serviço de referência de coleta de líquido cefalorraquiano, localizado em São Paulo, Brasil. Totalizou-se em 202 indivíduos que apresentaram meningite por Enterovirus. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk e Kruskal-Wallis (IC = 95%, p < 0,05) e representados pela mediana e percentil 25 e 75...

Meningitis is the leading infectious syndrome that affects the central nervous system, and most cases are caused by viral infections, mainly enterovirus. The clinical diagnosis for meningitis etiology still presents major challenges. The analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), white blood cells, red blood cells, glucose, protein, and lactate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides the first clues to the diagnosis. However, the reference values of some parameters can suffer changesOBJECTIVE: Analyze the laboratory parameters of CSF in patients with enterovirus meningitis, and then, theirrelationship by age groupMETHODS: A descriptive study was conducted based on data from a CSF reference service, located in São Paulo, Brazil, on 202 individuals who had enterovirus meningitis. Data was analysed by the Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests (CI = 95%, p < 0.05) and represented by the median and percentile 25 and 75, respectively...

Síndrome de meningitis y retención urinaria / Meningitis-retention syndrome. Report of one case

The Meningitis-Retention Syndrome associates aseptic meningitis and neurogenic bladder, with a vesical dysfunction that outlasts meningitis widely. Urodynamic assessment shows a detrusor palsy with normal function of the external sphincter. We report a 24-year-old male admitted for headache, fever, myalgias and acute urinary retention, which was diagnosed as a urinary tract infection. Worsening of symptoms and slight meningeal signs prompted for a lumbar puncture that yielded a cerebrospinal fluid with 94 lymphocytes, in which etiological evaluation was inconclusive. Meningeal syndrome and myalgia subsided by the fifth day, while urinary retention persisted. A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord done at the fifth day, showed high intensity signals in basal ganglia and central spinal cord, not altered by contrast. These images disappeared in the imaging control performed two months later. Bladder dysfunction lasted at least until the second month of follow up.

Meningite asséptica / Aseptic meningitis

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As meningites assépticas (MA) representam a grande maioria das meningites presentes em nosso meio. Os principais causadores dessa doença são os enterovírus. O quadro clínico caracteriza-se por cefaleia, fotofobia, sinais de irritação meníngea, náuseas, vômitos e febre. A grande dificuldade diagnóstica é que estes mesmos sintomas são encontrados nos quadros de meningites bacterianas, mais graves, demandando condutas mais agressivas. O objetivo deste estudo foi rever o assunto, destacando o manuseio dos casos suspeitos bem como suas etiologias e fisiopatologias. CONTEÚDO: Conceitos de MA, suas etiologias virais e não virais, incluindo àquelas causadas pela utilização de medicamentos. CONCLUSÃO: Devido às sobreposições sintomatológicas, introduziu-se empiricamente a antibioticoterapia intra-hospitalar no momento da suspeita de infecção meníngea, observando a evolução clínico-laboratorial do paciente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aseptic meningitis (AM) representing the vast majority of meningitis in our society. The main cause of this disease is the enteroviruses. The clinical picture is characterized by headache, photophobia, and signs of meningeal irritation, nausea, vomiting and fever. The diagnostic difficulty is that these same symptoms are found in the tables of bacterial meningitis, the most serious, demanding more aggressive treatment. This article aims to review the issue, emphasizing the management of suspected cases as well as its etiology and pathophysiology. CONTENTS: Address the concept of AM, its viral and nonviral etiologies, including those caused by medication use. CONCLUSION: Due to the overlap of the symptoms, we introduced an empirical intrahospital antibiotic treatment at the moment we suspect meningeal infection, observing the evolution of clinical and laboratory signs.

IL-6 and IL-8 in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with aseptic meningitis and bacterial meningitis: their potential role as a marker for differential diagnosis

Cytokines are molecules that act as mediators of immune response; cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) IL-6 is found in all meningeal inflammatory diseases, but IL-8 is associated with acute bacterial meningitis (ABM). A case control study was done to ascertain the discriminatory power of these cytokines in differentiating ABM from aseptic meningitis (AM); IL-6 and IL-8 CSF concentrations were tested through ELISA in samples collected from patients who underwent investigation for meningitis. Sixty patients, 18 with AM, nine with bacteriologic confirmed ABM and 33 controls, assisted in 2005 (MA and controls) and 2007 (ABM) were included. Differently from controls, IL-6 concentrations were increased both in MA and ABM patients (p < 0.05). CSF IL-8 levels were higher in ABM than in AM and controls (p < 0.05). Discriminatory power in ABM as assessed by the area under receiver operator (ROC) curve was 0.951 for IL-8, using a cut-off of 1.685 ng/dL (100 percent of sensitivity and 94 percent of specificity). The CSF concentration of both IL-6 and IL-8 are increased in the presence of meningeal inflammation, IL-8 could be an important tool to differentiate ABM from AM.

Meningite asséptica e doença autoimune / Aseptic meningitis and autoimmune disease

A meningite asséptica (MA) é uma entidade anatomoclínica aguda, benigna, de ocorrência rara na população geral, com manifestações clínicas variáveis e ausência de patógenos identificáveis no líquido cefalorraquidiano. Sua prevalência é maior associada a administração ou presença de algum medicamento e/ou doença autoimune, respectivamente. Seu diagnóstico é dificultado devido à inespecificidade das manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais, o que resulta em hospitalizações, propedêutica invasiva e antibioticoterapia desnecessárias.

Aseptic meningitis (AM) is an acute and benign condition, rare in the general population, characterized by nonspecific clinical manifestations associated with changes on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample analysis, including negative cultures. The subject of analysis is the relationship between medication intake and autoimmune diseases with the occurrence of AM. It has been concluded that this condition occurs more often in case both causes are associated. The diagnosis of AM is difficult because of the nonspecifity of the signs and symptoms and findings on CSF analysis, which results in unnecessary hospitalizations, invasive exams and antibiotic therapy.

Performance Evaluation of Real-Q Enterovirus Quantification Kit for Enterovirus by Real-time PCR / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Molecular methods have enabled rapid diagnosis of aseptic meningitis and have reduced both unnecessary therapeutic interventions and medical costs. In this study, we evaluated the analytical performance of the recently developed Real-Q Enterovirus Quantification kit (BioSewoom Inc., Korea). METHODS: We evaluated the detection limit, precision, linearity, and cross-reactivity of the Real-Q Enterovirus Quantification kit and compared it with the conventional PCR method. From March to September 2009, we tested 91 CSF specimens from patients who visited the pediatrics department of the university hospital with symptoms of aseptic meningitis or infantile sepsis, and we also tested 48 CSF specimens from patients with febrile convulsion for differential diagnosis. RESULTS: The Real-Q Enterovirus Quantification kit showed good linearity (r=0.997) within a range from 3x10(2) to 3x10(10) copies/mL, and the detection limit of the kit was 83 copies/mL. The within-run, between-run, and between-day CVs were 5.3-7.6%, 9.5-12.3%, and 11.4-13.4%, respectively. There was no cross reactivity between enteroviruses and various microorganisms. Positive results were obtained for 39.1% (25/64) of the patients suspected of aseptic meningitis and 44.4% (12/27) of the patients suspected of infantile sepsis. However, among the 48 children with febrile conversion, only 4 were positive for enterovirus. Further, the concordance with conventional PCR was high (73/74). CONCLUSIONS: The Real-Q Enterovirus Quantification kit showed excellent linearity and high reliability with a broad reportable range. It showed good detection rate when used with clinical specimens and also showed a high concordance with the conventional method. Therefore, this assay would be clinically useful not only in diagnosis of aseptic meningitis but also in differential diagnosis of infantile sepsis.

Description of a widespread outbreak of aseptic meningitis due to echovirus 30 in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Echovirus 30 belongs to the genus Enterovirus and is widely associated with aseptic meningitis (AM) outbreaks. In Brazil epidemics due to this serotype were reported in several states but in Rio de Janeiro, before this study, it was only involved in sporadic episodes. We retrospectively collected data from AM notifications charts and enterovirus isolation database from Rio de Janeiro State Health Department (RJSHD) and Enterovirus Reference Laboratory in the year of 2005. An outbreak of AM was detected during March, April and May associated with a high cell culture isolation rate for echovirus 30 (17.4 percent). Male children with ages varying from 1 to 9 years were more affected. Of the 22 patients with confirmed echovirus 30 disease, clinical information was available in eight; fever, headache and vomiting were the most common manifestations. CSF analysis showed a typical pattern of viral infection with median of cellularity of 100 cells/mm³ and mononuclear cell predominance in 64.7 percent of the cases. The median of protein and glucose levels of 49 mg/dL and 56.5 mg/dL. The fatality rate was null. Despite its benign course and the lack of treatment options, aseptic meningitis surveillance is crucial for early identification of causative agents of outbreaks, which helps to avoid additional testing and inappropriate use of antimicrobials.

Application of a Diagnostic Method Using Reverse Transcription-PCR ELISA for the Diagnosis of Enteroviral Infections / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Enteroviruses are known as major pathogen for aseptic meningitis. Although rapid diagnosis for enteroviruses is very essential to exclude bacterial infections in patients with meningitis, classical diagnostic method based on virus isolation is not practicable for timely treatment of patients due to its laborious and time-consuming procedure. Recently molecular methodologies as alternatives are routinely used for rapid and sensitive diagnosis for enteroviruses infections. METHODS: Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR ELISA kit for targeting 5'non-coding region (NCR) with highly conserved genetic identity among all genotypes of enteroviruses was introduced in this investigation. RT-PCR ELISA was evaluated about sensitivity and specificity through virus isolation using clinical specimens from patients suspected of enteroviral infections and enteroviral isolates comparing with conventional RT-PCR identifying them. RESULTS: The detection limit of the RT-PCR ELISA was up to 10-100 folds higher than virus isolation using cell culture and conventional RT-PCR. On comparison between above two methods, the detection rate of RT-PCR ELISA for clinical specimens from patients with aseptic meningitis was 7% higher than that of conventional RT-PCR targeting 5'NCR (P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that RT-PCR ELISA developed in this study could be an alternative diagnostic method for the detection of enteroviral genome with high sensitivity and specificity.

¿Es necesaria la punción lumbar en la evaluación del recién nacido febril sin signos de focalización? / ¿Is it necessary to perform a lumbar puncture in the evaluation of the febrile newborn infant without source?

La evaluación del RN febril incluye efectuar una punción lumbar para detectar un foco meníngeo. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de este procedimiento al ingreso del paciente al hospital y, eventualmente, en una segunda instancia si se justifica clínicamente. Pacientes y Método: Estudiamos 1.841 recién nacidos febriles sin signos de focalización que consultaron en la Unidad de Emergencia entre enero 1992 y diciembre 2000. Todos se sometieron a una evaluación para pesquisa de sepsis. Calculamos la tasa de incidencia de meningitis, y analizamos la frecuencia de meningitis diagnosticada en la evaluación inicial y en una re-evaluación. Resultados: Hubo 206 pacientes con diagnóstico de meningitis (incidencia de 11,2 por ciento), de las cuales 20 fueron bacterianas (1,1 por ciento) y 186 meningitis asépticas (10,1 por ciento). En la evaluación inicial se detectaron 155 pacientes con meningitis (155/ 1.774 = 8,7 por ciento) y en la reevaluación (media de 39,5 ± 25,2 horas más tarde) se diagnosticaron 51 casos más (51/ 135 = 37,8 por ciento). Conclusiones: La meningitis fue un diagnóstico frecuente en recién nacidos febriles sin signos de focalización, predominando la meningitis aséptica. En casi 25 por ciento de los casos se llegó a este diagnóstico mediante la ejecución de la punción lumbar al ser re-evaluados.

Lumbar puncture to detect bacterial meningitis is a recommended screening procedure to be performed in febrile newborn infants at admission to hospital. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of this procedure performed at admission and eventually, in a second look if clinically justified. Patients and method: There were studied 1,841 febrile newborns consulting at the Emergency Department from January 1992 to December 2000 without source. All of them underwent a sepsis workup. The rate of meningitis incidence was calculated, and we analyzed the frequency of meningitis diagnosed in the initial evaluation and reappraisal. Results: There were 206 febrile patients with diagnosis of meningitis for an incidence of 11.2 percent, which 20 were bacterial (1.1 percent) and 186 aseptic meningitis (10.1 percent). In the initial evaluation 155 patients were diagnosed with meningitis (155/ 1.774 = 8.7 percent) and in reappraisal (mean 39,5 ± 25,2 hours after) there were diagnosed another 51 cases (51/ 135 = 37.8 percent). Conclusions: The meningitis was a common diagnosis in febrile newborns without source, with prevalence of aseptic meningitis. In almost 25 percent of cases we reached to this diagnosis by means of performing lumbar puncture after a reappraisal.

Síndrome de Kawasaki: a propósito de un infante con meningitis aséptica y cambios en la cicatriz de BCG / Kawasaki syndrome: a child with aseptic meningitis and changes at BCG scar site

Presentamos el caso de un niño de 12 meses de edad referido al Hospital Nacional de Niños con diagnóstico presuntivo de exantema súbito, meningitis aséptica y choque incipiente. El paciente se ingresa, tras múltiples consultas a un hospital periférico, al día 14 de fiebre como síntoma más importante. A su ingreso se documentó meningitis aséptica, induración y enrojecimiento en el sitio de aplicación de la vacuna de la BCG, aparte de los criterios clásicos para Síndrome de Kawasaki. El ecocardiograma inicial mostró dilatación coronaria. El Síndrome de Kawasaki debe formar parte del diagnóstico diferencial del infante y niño con enfermedad eruptiva febril, y debe tenerse un alto índice de sospecha clínica de esta entidad

Diagnostic outcome of patients presenting with severe thunderclap headache at saidu teaching hospital

To find out the frequency of patients attending Casualty department of a Teaching Hospital with sudden severe thunderclap headache, their diagnostic out-come and follow up. The study was conducted in Casualty and Medical, Departments of Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, from January 2006 to December 2006. Out of 22,000 patients with different Medical problems attended Casualty department during study period of which 128 cases had acute severe thunderclap headache. Age range was 15 to 80 years with mean age of 46 +/- 10 years. Seventy eight patients [61%] were female and fifty [39%] were male. Protocol included proper clinical examination, basic laboratory investigations, admission to the General medical ward / Intensive care unit for observation, treatment and follow-up. CT scan of brain and or lumber puncture was performed in all the studied patients. The in-hospital follow up period was from two to fourteen days. The patients were reviewed one month later after discharge from hospital. Out of 120 patients twenty cases [15.6%] had Subarachnoid haemorrhage [SAH] seven patients [5.4%] had Cerebral infarction, five patients [3.9%] had an Intracerebral Haematoma. Five patients [3.9%] had aseptic meningitis. Two cases [1.5%] were reported as cerebral edema. One case [0.8%] had venous sinus thrombosis. As there was no specific finding on investigations and follow up of 88 cases [69%]: these were labeled as idiopathic thunder-clap headache. Past history of not more than three similar episodes was present in 33 cases [25.78%]. Out of these 33 cases, thirty belonged to the benign group of 88; other three cases had organic causes. Clinical diagnosis of Migraine was made in 37 cases out of these 88 cases. Attack of severe thunderclap headache is not an un-common emergency. Attack due to Subarachnoid haemorrhage [SAH] or other serious underlying disease cannot be distinguished from non specific headaches on clinical grounds alone. It is recommended that all such patients be hospitalized and investigated properly with CT scan and or lumbar puncture to distinguish between benign and organic headaches

Multiple sclerosis with recurrent meningitis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune demyelinating disease that is rarely associated with aseptic meningitis. However, certain syndromes causing aseptic meningitis are often associated with central nervous system demyelination that mimics multiple sclerosis [MS]. Since many of these syndromes are potentially treatable, unmasking an alternative diagnosis is essential whenever an MS-like illness and recurrent meningitis are encountered in the same patient. Yet, the search for an alternative diagnosis may be elusive sometimes, despite extensive and appropriate investigations. We present a young woman with an MS-like illness associated with recurrent meningitis over a 7-year period. After an exhaustive evaluation, we conclude that recurrent meningitis is an atypical manifestation of MS. If neurologists would appreciate this point, unrewarding and costly investigations may be avoided and appropriate therapy instituted when similar cases are encountered in clinical practice