Japanese Encephalitis Complicated with Obstructive Hydrocephalus

• Main Authors: Vivek Suman, Ujjawal Roy, Ajay Panwar, Alpana Raizada
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2016-02-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: culex; elevated intracranial pressure; flavivirus; haemorrhagic encephalitis; herniation syndromes
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/7274/16917_CE(Ra1)_F(GH)_PF1(VIAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(AGAK).pdf

Japanese Encephalitis (JE), caused by Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a flavi-virus, is the most significant aetiology of arboviral encephalitis worldwide. It has resulted in epidemics of encephalitis in the Indian subcontinent. Here, we report a case of 36-year-old female who presented with a short history of fever and headache followed by altered sensorium. Funduscopic examination revealed Papilloedema. Pyogenic or viral meningoencephalitis along with complicated malaria were kept as initial differential diagnosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain revealed involvement of posterior limb of internal capsule and bilateral thalami in the form of haemorrhagic encephalitis along with obstructive hydrocephalus. Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) serology (IgM ELISA) showed JE as the causative agent. Despite extensive literature search, we could not find a case of JE reported with hydrocephalus as a complication. This case highlights the typical and atypical features of JE including imaging findings and exemplifies the way, how diversely JE can present and would thus help in preparing management paradigms accordingly.