Affiliations: Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi PGIMS, Lucknow,
India | Department of Neuropathology, NIMHANS, Bangalore,
India
Note: [] Correspondence: Usha K. Misra, DM., Prof & Head, Department
of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences,
RaeBareli Road, Lucknow- 226 014, India. Fax: +91 0522 440017, 440973; E-mails:
ukmisra@sgpgi.ac.in, drukmisra@rediffmail.com
Abstract: An 11-year-girl presented with rapidly progressive visual loss,
which partially improved following prednisolone therapy. One month later, she
developed mental changes and incontinence. She was confused, had bilateral
cortical blindness and pyramidal signs. Electroencephalography revealed slowing
and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging hyperintensity in the frontal and
parieto-occipital regions. Cerebrospinal fluid was positive for measles
antibody. She died on the third month of illness. Postmortem brain biopsy was
positive for measles antigen. She did not have myoclonus or periodic discharges
in electroencephalography during the entire course of illness. In children with
visual impairment and rapidly deteriorating neurological status, subacute
sclerosing panencephalitis should be considered. Cerebrospinal fluid measles
antibody may clinch the diagnosis.
