Mild Encephalopathy with Reversible Splenial Lesion in Children

Abstract

Mild encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a recently described clinico-radiological syndrome. It is characterised by acute mild encephalopathy and changes in the splenium of the corpus callosum on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MERS has been described mainly in East Asian populations. Infection, particularly influenza, is the most common association. The prognosis is generally favourable with spontaneous resolution of clinical and radiological abnormalities. We report two cases of non-influenza MERS in children, one associated with varicella, and discuss their differing clinical presentations.