Abstract
A 6-year-old girl is described who died following rapid neurological deterioration, ending in lethal cerebral oedema. Despite the absence of severe intestinal and metabolic derangement, Shigella was cultured from the stool. Toxic encephalopathy is responsible for death following this rare complication of childhood shigellosis in developed countries. The pathophysiology is unknown.
Conclusion Lethal toxic encephalopathy can be caused by Shigella despite the absence of severe intestinal and metabolic derangement. If shigelllosis is suspected, headache may be a first significant sign for the development of toxic encephalopathy. Early recognition and rapid measures to prevent brain oedema may improve outcome.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 30 June 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 1 October 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Plötz, F., Arets, H., Fleer, A. et al. Lethal encephalopathy complicating childhood shigellosis. Eur J Pediatr 158, 550–552 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310051144
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310051144