A Case of Acute Encephalopathy Associated with Rotavirus Infections

Abstract

Rotavirus is a common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children. It is known that rotavirus gastroenteritis can accompany some neurological manifestations, including encephalitis/encephalopathy or seizures. We report a case of a 5-yearold boy with acute encephalopathy associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis. He was admitted to our hospital because of unconsciousness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rotavirus antigen in his feces was positive. Cell counts in the cerebrospinal fluid were normal. However, brain CT showed cerebral edema, and electroencephalogram showed generalized, highvoltage slow waves. Therefore, he was diagnosed with acute encephalopathy associated with rotavirus infections. However, the patient's prognosis was good, and he exhibited no abnormal sequelae. When encephalitis/encephalopathy associated with rotavirus infection occurs, it may not be accompanied with convulsions. Head CT should be utilized in rotavirus infection when patients exhibit unconsciousness.