Mild Encephalopathy With Reversible Splenial Lesion (MERS) in a Child With Influenza.

Mild encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare clinical-radiological syndrome with a favorable prognosis that typically presents with central nervous system symptoms such as altered mental status, delirious behavior, seizures, muscle weakness, ophthalmoplegia, and headache. The diagnosis of MERS is based on a constellation of central nervous system symptoms within one week of fever, a lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, and complete resolution without sequelae. Both clinical and imaging findings generally resolve within a few months. Treatment is largely supportive care and/or treatment of the primary cause.

Anti-NMDA-receptor antibody encephalitis in infants.

PURPOSE: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder manifesting subacutely with prominent aberrant movements and psychiatric symptoms. The clinical course is one of progressive clinical deterioration that can be halted and often reversed by early diagnosis and treatment. Patterns of presentation and etiology of anti-NMDA-receptor antibody encephalitis are dependent on age and can be challenging to recognize in very young children. REPORTS: Sequential clinical case observations of anti-NMDA-receptor antibody encephalitis presenting in very young children were examined over a year at a single tertiary pediatric institution. Cerebrospinal fluid confirmed anti-NMDA-receptor antibodies in two cases (a 21-month-old boy and a 29-month-old girl) that demonstrated either bizarre behavioral patterns or status epilepticus both associated with progressive deterioration. Once recognized, the clinical course was arrested and reversed by aggressive treatment with plasma exchange, immunoglobulin, and high dose IV steroids. CONCLUSION: Infants with anti-NMDA-receptor antibody encephalitis can present with frank seizures or seizure mimics. Regardless, prompt recognition and aggressive treatment of anti-NMDA-receptor antibody encephalitis, while challenging, can quickly arrest deterioration and hasten recovery, thereby, limiting neurological morbidity.