Rasmussen Encephalitis In A Nigerian Child: A Case Report

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONSeizure disorder may be caused by a variety of medical conditions. CASE PRESENTATIONWe report a case of Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) in a 7yearold boy of the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. This to the best of our knowledge is the first reported case of this condition in a Nigerian. He had computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and electroencephalography (EEG). CONCLUSIONWe want to emphasize the importance of imaging in the diagnosis of seizure disorder, especially when it is intractable. To diagnose RE, the index of clinical suspicion has to be high. It is probable that some cases of this condition will be missed in our environment as a result of inadequate imaging, stemming from availability and cost considerations. RE is extremely rare and many radiologists practicing in sub-Saharan Africa may not see a single case of RE in their practice life as a result of the paucity of MRI facilities (which is required for diagnosis) in this sub-region.