Focal Encephalitis, Meningitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Associated with Influenza A Infection

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of influenza A infection complicated with focal encephalitis, meningitis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 35-year-old woman presented with fever, headache, cough, and body aches. Seizures, altered consciousness, and dyspnea occurred later. A nasopharyngeal swab revealed a positive reaction for the influenza A antigen. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed a T2 prolongation in the left frontoparietal subcortical white matter, which was consistent with focal encephalitis. She recovered after treatment with oseltamivir and antibiotics. Conclusion: This case report highlights focal encephalitis with concomitant pulmonary complications after influenza A infection.