Severe postvaccinia encephalitis with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: recovery with early intravenous immunoglobulin, high-dose steroids, and vaccinia immunoglobulin

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Feb 15;48(4):e47-9. doi: 10.1086/596553.

Abstract

We report the second case of severe postvaccinial encephalitis with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis since smallpox vaccination was reintroduced in 2002. Both affected patients responded dramatically with early intervention of intravenous immunoglobulin. Our patient, who also received concurrent vaccinia immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, demonstrated full recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / chemically induced
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Smallpox Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Steroids / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaccinia / complications*
  • Vaccinia / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Smallpox Vaccine
  • Steroids