Abstract
Dengue fever is a common viral infection in the tropical areas, especially in India.
However, dengue infection presenting as hemorrhagic encephalitis is rare. A 10-year-old
girl presented with fever, headache, vomiting, and seizures followed by altered sensorium.
Her blood serum was positive for antidengue immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) and NS1Ag, and cerebrospinal fluid study showed lymphocytic pleocytosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)
images showed hyperintensities involving the bilateral thalami, pons, and midbrain
with patchy hemorrhage. Despite all supportive measures, she expired 3 days after
admission. Our case highlights that dengue encephalitis may present even in the absence
of other classical signs.
Keywords
dengue fever - brainstem involvement - hemorrhagic encephalitis
