Fulminant Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in an Individual With a Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

Background: Case reports of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are scarce, and the natural history is unclear. To our knowledge, a fulminant presentation has not yet been described. Objective: To describe a case of fulminant SSPE in an individual with a perinatally acquired HIV infection.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in a Toddler: Changing Epidemiological Trends

“…Recently an association between programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), a member of the CD28 family, and children with SSPE has been reported [17]. Individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or children whose mothers have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome might be at higher risk of a fulminant course of SSPE [18], and earlier onset of familial cases of SSPE also has been reported to present with shorter latency period [19]. …”

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in a Child Suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus on “Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy” – Can This be Another Instance of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome?

“…To our knowledge, there are scarce reports of SSPE in HIV-infected individuals, and the natural history remains uncertain [6]. Neither the biology underlying the viral persistence nor the triggering mechanism for viral reactivation is well understood.…”

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis in a Child with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-Infection

“…SSPE may have a fulminant course in patients with HIV, as reported in a 17 year old male who perinatally acquired the infection, and who died within 12 weeks of onset of SSPE. 1 Another child with HIV developed measles at age 5 months and later developed SSPE at 14 years-a long latency period-but is reported to remain stable on ART at 7 months of follow up.…”

“…Two reports in the literature about this co-infection describe a fatal course in one and a favorable course in other. 1,2 We report the clinico-radiological profile of a rare case of SSPE in a child with an HIV co-infection.…”