Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after Plasmodium vivax infection: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) usually occurs after viral infections or vaccination. Its occurrence after Plasmodium vivax infection is extremely uncommon. We report the case of an 8-year-old girl who had choreo-athetoid movements and ataxia after recovery from P.vivax infection. Diagnosis of ADEM was made on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging findings. The child responded to corticosteroids with complete neurological recovery.

Keywords

• Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis
• malaria
• post-malaria neurological syndrome
• Plasmodium vivax