Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE): A Comprehensive Review on Causes, Symptoms, Link with COVID-19, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Abstract

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE), also called Hurst disease, is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) marked by rapid progression and acute inflammation of the white matter. Due to the correlation in their suspected postinfectious autoimmune pathogenesis, it is regarded as the most severe form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Because this clinical scenario has a high mortality rate, aggressive and immediate treatment is required. Although the exact cause of AHLE is unknown, it usually occurs after a bacterial or viral infection, or, less frequently, after a measles or rabies vaccination. AHLE has been reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a rare but serious neurological complication. However, due to the lack of evidence-based diagnostic criteria, diagnosis is difficult. The small number of cases described in the literature, which most likely reflects underreporting and/or low incidence, necessitates greater public awareness. Increased clinical suspicion and early imaging identification of this entity may allow clinicians to pursue more aggressive treatment options, potentially reducing fatal outcomes. This study focuses on symptoms and causes of AHLE, difference between AHLE and ADME, diagnosis and treatment of AHLE, and its link with COVID-19.