Fulminating shigella encephalopathy [Ekiri syndrome]: a case report

ABSTRACT

Neurological manifestation, particularly seizures and encephalopathy, are common in childhood shigellosis. Fulminating shigella encephalopathy [Ekiri syndrome] is a rare form of shigella associated encephalopathy characterized by a rapid, severe and fatal course with few dysenteric symptoms. Brain edema is a common finding in patients presenting with severe shigella encephalopathy. Shiga toxin production is not essential for development of shigella-associated neurological symptoms. Early recognition and proper management of cases of severe shigella encephalopathy may help to improve the outcome. We are reporting the case of a six and half year old male child with severe fulminating shigella-encephalopathy [Ekiri syndrome] who made a partial recovery. Brain magnetic resonance image [MRI] findings of this patient are reported. To the best of our knowledge, brain MRI studies were not reported before in the pediatric population with Ekiri syndrome; moreover, this is probably the first case of Ekiri syndrome to be reported in the Arab population