ISSN:
1432-1076
Keywords:
Key wordsShigella
;
Toxic encephalopathy
;
Children
;
Brain oedema
;
Shiga toxin
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
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.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004310051144
