Unforeseen complications: a case of dengue shock syndrome presenting with multi-organ dysfunction in a subtropical region

Abstract

Overview Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, is capable of causing a range of serious complications, including fulminant hepatic failure, renal dysfunction, encephalitis, encephalopathy, neuromuscular and ophthalmic disorders, seizures, and cardiomyopathy. Case description This report details the case of a 30-year-old lactating woman with no notable medical history who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of high-grade fever, altered mental status, and seizures. Upon imaging, bilateral infarcts in the thalami and cerebellar hemispheres were observed, consistent with cerebellitis and dengue encephalitis. Patient treatment and outcome The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and received appropriate treatment. Following a critical phase and successful patient stabilization, she was transferred to a high dependency unit for a week before being discharged with recommendations for follow-up care. Conclusion This case illustrates the broad spectrum of complications that can arise as a result of dengue infection and the importance of timely diagnosis and management in improving patient outcomes. Further investigation is required to better understand the mechanisms underlying these complications and to formulate specific guidelines for the prevention and treatment of dengue shock syndrome.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with dengue fever induced intrauterine death: A case report

“…Unusual complications of dengue are becoming more common nowadays, however, these complications are not always recognized or understood due to a lack of awareness of these adverse outcomes. Not many studies have been undertaken to document all the complications of dengue expanded syndrome, but so far it is seen to affect the major organs like liver, lung, kidney, heart, and brain 1 . Moreover, neurological manifestations of dengue fever are extremely rare where most reported cases are intracranial hemorrhage, encephalitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).…”

“…Not many studies have been undertaken to document all the complications of dengue expanded syndrome, but so far it is seen to affect the major organs like liver, lung, kidney, heart, and brain. 1 Moreover, neurological manifestations of dengue fever are extremely rare where most reported cases are intracranial hemorrhage, encephalitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). In a study conducted between 2014 and 2019 showed only 2.64% of 5821 dengue patients were affected with neurological manifestations.…”