Author(s):
Monteiro, Sara ; Teixeira, Beatriz ; Fraga, Carolina ; Dias, Andreia ; Cardoso, Ana Lúcia ; Meireles, Daniel ; Sarmento, Alzira ; Ferreira, Paula Regina ; Silva, João ; Garrido, Cristina ; Gonçalves, Sara
Date: 2023
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.16/2961
Origin: Repositório Científico da Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António (ULSSA)
Subject(s): acute encephalitis; acute fulminant cerebral edema; decompressive craniectomy; hyperosmolar therapy; secondary intracranial hypertension
Description
Acute fulminant cerebral edema (AFCE) is a recently identified encephalitis type associated with significant morbimortality. Described as rare, limited data exists on its early detection and treatment. This paper describes a case of AFCE that progressed to unresponsive intracranial hypertension. A previously healthy four-year-old boy presented with fever, myalgias, and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic assessments showed cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, and despite medical interventions, his condition deteriorated rapidly and developed severe cerebral edema and herniation within 24 hours. A decompressive craniectomy was attempted to decrease intracranial pressure, without success. This case emphasizes the urgency of early AFCE recognition and effective management strategies given its severe prognosis, aiming to improve understanding and spur further research
