Childhood Encephalitis in Crete, Greece

Abstract

This study included all 18 cases of children hospitalized for encephalitis in the referral university hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, during the 5-year period from 2000 to 2004. Encephalitis was attributed to viral infection (echovirus, herpes simplex virus 1, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and influenza A) in eight children and to bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, group A β-hemolytic streptococcus, and Rickettsia typhi) in a further five cases. Multiple hyperintense brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were associated with a severe clinical presentation but not with a guarded long-term outcome. Five children still presented with mild to moderate sequelae after 1.5 to 5.3 (median 4.0) years. Our findings confirm the elimination of measles, mumps, and rubella—associated encephalitis in the postvaccine era. MRI appeared to be of great diagnostic value. Although no fatalities were observed, deficits did persist in several patients. (J Child Neurol 2006;21:910—912; DOI 10.2310/7010.2006.00217).