Speech and language delay in two children: an unusual presentation of hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthyroidism is rare in pre-school children. Untreated, it can have a profound effect on normal growth and development, particularly in the first 2 years of life. Although neurological manifestations of dysthyroid states are well known, specific expressive speech and language disorder as a presentation of hyperthyroidism is rarely documented. METHODS: Case reports of two children with hyperthyroidism presenting with speech and language delay. RESULTS: We report two pre-school children with hyperthyroidism, who presented with expressive speech and language delay, and demonstrated a significant improvement in their language skills following treatment with anti-thyroid medication. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthyroidism must be considered in all children presenting with speech and language difficulties, particularly expressive speech delay. Prompt recognition and early treatment are likely to improve outcome.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

We describe atypical Henoch-Schönlein purpura with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a normotensive 11-year-old girl. Her Henoch-Schönlein purpura was atypical because she initially presented with abdominal pain and vomiting and neurologic complications, rather than with the classic rash of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura. This previously healthy child was also unusual because she manifested the radiologic and clinical features of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in the absence of hypertension induced by Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Her abnormal findings resolved with supportive therapy. We discuss the association of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with Henoch-Schönlein purpura in three previously reported cases.