Acute Leucoencephalopathy with Restricted Diffusion: A Novel Cause of Encephalopathy and Hypertension in Children

Abstract

Abstract Background: Acute leucoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion is emerging as an important cause of acute encephalopathy in children. Recently, we found few children with his condition had associated refractory hypertension. This association has not been described in the past. Method: Retrospective chart review of patients with Acute leucoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion who also had documented hypertension was done and the clinical details, investigations done, course and outcome was analysed. Result: A total of 3 out of 21 children were found to have hypertension. Hypertension was recorded during first week of illness and lasted for 1-3 weeks. One child had refractory hypertension and required three antihypertensive drugs to control it. Detailed work up for other causes of hypertension was negative in all children. Conclusion: Acute leucoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion in children can present with hypertension. The hypertension can be refractory requiring multiple antihypertensive drugs but transient in nature.