A Deadly Misdiagnosis: A Case Of A Rare Tick-Borne Illness Associated With Reversible Splenial Lesion Syndrome

Abstract

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) was last reported in 2006 in Michigan, however given the increased morbidity and mortality rate associated with a late diagnosis, it is an important diagnostic consideration. A 10-year-old female presented with 4 day history of fever, headache and rash to the Emergency Room after visiting Northern Michigan. On presentation, the patient was febrile to 39.3 C, tachycardic to 116 beats/min, and normotensive. Physical examination revealed morbilliform rash around neck, back, and trunk. Upon admission to the floor, the patient had a transient 5-minute episode of hallucination. She was alert, …