Brainstem encephalitis following influenza vaccination: Favorable response to steroid treatment

TURKOGLU R., Tuzun E.

VACCINE, vol.27, no.52, pp.7253-7256, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 52
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.08.111
  • Journal Name: VACCINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.7253-7256
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We report a 44-year-old man presenting with left hemiparesis following influenza vaccination. The neuroimaging studies showed a large, contrast-enhancing brainstem lesion and multiple punctate lesions suggesting microhaemorrhages in both cerebral hemispheres. The patient showed a remarkable response to high dose steroid treatment. Detailed diagnostic studies failed to yield any results supporting inflammatory/demyelinating diseases, suggesting that influenza vaccination might have been associated with the clinical findings. Our case implies that vaccination might be related with a wide range of clinical syndromes, including brainstem, encephalitis. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.