1. A Previously Healthy Adolescent With Acute Encephalopathy and Decorticate Posturing.
- Author
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Kawai Y, DeMonbrun AG, Chambers RS, Nolan DA, Dolcourt BA, Malas NM, and Quasney MW
- Subjects
- Acute Febrile Encephalopathy diagnostic imaging, Adolescent, Amitriptyline toxicity, Brain diagnostic imaging, Decerebrate State diagnostic imaging, Diagnosis, Differential, Emergency Service, Hospital, Female, Glasgow Coma Scale, Humans, Intensive Care Units, Pediatric, Interdisciplinary Communication, Intersectoral Collaboration, Magnetic Resonance Angiography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Self Medication, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Acute Febrile Encephalopathy chemically induced, Acute Febrile Encephalopathy etiology, Acute Febrile Encephalopathy therapy, Amitriptyline analogs & derivatives, Bupropion toxicity, Decerebrate State chemically induced, Decerebrate State etiology, Serotonin Syndrome diagnosis, Suicide, Attempted prevention & control, Venlafaxine Hydrochloride toxicity
- Abstract
A 14-year-old previously healthy female was transferred from a local emergency department after being found unresponsive at home. Parental questioning revealed she had fever and pharyngitis 2 weeks before presentation. Past mental health history was negative, including concern for past or present suicidal ideation/attempts, suspected substance use, or toxic ingestion. In the emergency department, she was orotracheally intubated due to a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. She was hemodynamically stable and euglycemic. Electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia. She underwent a noncontrast head computed tomography that was normal and subsequently underwent a lumbar puncture. She had a seizure and was given a loading dose of diazepam and fosphenytoin that led to cessation of extremity movements. She was subsequently transferred to the PICU for additional evaluation. Initial examination without sedation or analgesia demonstrated dilated and minimally responsive pupils, intermittent decorticate posturing, and bilateral lower extremity rigidity and clonus, consistent with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 5. Serum studies were unremarkable with the exception of mild leukocytosis. Chest radiograph only showed atelectasis. She was empirically started on antibiotics to cover for meningitis pending final cerebral spinal fluid test results. The pediatric neurology team was consulted for EEG monitoring, and the patient was eventually sent for computed tomography angiogram and magnetic resonance angiogram/venogram. We will review diagnostic evaluation and management of an adolescent patient with acute encephalopathy with decorticate posturing of unclear etiology., (Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)
- Published
- 2017
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