The Janus-faced nature of Rasmussen's encephalitis.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-1-2014
Abstract
Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is an inflammatory unilateral progressive medically refractory epilepsy associated with hemiparesis, cognitive dysfunction, and hemispheric atrophy. Here, we present 2 cases from our institution that demonstrate the dual nature of RE in 2 similarly aged children. Overall, 2 types of RE have been described: type 1 has a short prodromal phase and more explosive onset and type 2 has a longer prodromal of partial seizures followed by hemiparesis and atrophy. Younger patients are more likely to fit into the type 1 presentation and have been described as more likely to have dual pathology. Perhaps the patients with a more acute onset are more likely to have a dual pathology as is found in our 2 cases. We review the typical findings in RE and discuss current treatment options, highlighting new experimental treatments.
Volume
21
Issue
2
First Page
129
Last Page
136
ISSN
1558-0776
Published In/Presented At
Press, C., Wallace, A., & Chapman, K. E. (2014). The Janus-faced nature of Rasmussen's encephalitis. Seminars in pediatric neurology, 21(2), 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2014.04.018
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
25149947
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article