Encephalitis as neurological complication due dengue

Abstract

We present the case of a 32-year-old male, previously healthy, with a 5-day history of fever, frontal-occipital headache, retro-ocular pain, rash, petechiae, myalgia, arthralgia, and abdominal pain. Blood tests with leukopenia, severe thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, long clotting times. Severe dengue with associated coagulopathy was diagnosed, indicating transfer to ICU. Presents torpid evolution, altered state of consciousness, psychomotor agitation, and aggressiveness. Structural, ischemic-hemorrhagic alterations, bacterial and fungal infections were ruled out. Finally diagnosing dengue encephalitis, confirmed by DENV PCR in CSF. Support measures are provided with favorable evolution. Encephalitis is the most serious neurological complication after dengue virus infection.