A Rare Case of Adult-Onset Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis with Atypical EEG Finding

Manisha Ghosh Roy1*, Anek Jena2, Rishav Sanghai2, Vinayak Mishra3 and Sayan Mukherjee3

1Department of General Medicine, Peerless Hospitex Hospital and Research Center, India 2Department of General Medicine, Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, India 3Grant Government Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, India

^*Correspondance to: Manisha Ghosh Roy 

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Abstract:

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is the chronic degenerative inflammation of the brain as a result of persistent measles infection. The onset of SSPE usually occurs in children less than one year of age and is comparatively rare in adults. The disease is fatal accounting for a mortality rate of more than 95%. It has a variety of clinical presentations ranging from behavioral change to coma, which makes the diagnosis challenging. A combination of investigational procedures like MRI, EEG, demonstration of elevated measles antibody titers in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and serum plays the key role to segregate from its other differentials. It is more common in developing nations due to scarce vaccination, owing to the lack of awareness and low socioeconomic status. Herein, we report a case of newly diagnosed SSPE in a 32-year-old female who presented with fever, altered sensorium, and recurrent seizure episodes. Adult-onset SSPE is very rare and there are very few case reports on it. Though the neuroimaging findings were normal, the EEG gave us a clue towards the diagnosis. It was later confirmed by measles antibody titers in CSF and serum. The patient was conscious and oriented on discharge. She was advised with interferon-2b and regular follow-up visits were scheduled for close monitoring of the symptoms.

Keywords:

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis; EEG; Adult-onset; Seizures

Cite the Article:

Roy MG, Jena A, Sanghai R, Mishra V, Mukherjee S. A Rare Case of Adult-Onset Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis with Atypical EEG Finding. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2022; 7: 2154..