Rolandic encephalopathy and epilepsia partialis continua following bone marrow transplant

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2000 Oct;26(8):917-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1702637.

Abstract

Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) is a condition defined by prolonged focal myoclonus. Often resistant to therapy, EPC in children is frequently present in Rasmussen encephalitis, a form of chronic encephalitis of uncertain etiology. We discuss a child who developed bilateral EPC 5 months after a bone marrow transplant. Neuroimaging studies showed signal abnormalities on both sensory-motor areas. An extensive search failed to reveal the etiology of the disorder, but treatment with a broad-spectrum anti-viral agent was associated with resolution of the process. An unidentified infectious agent may be responsible for an encephalitis of the motor strip in immunosuppressed patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Encephalitis / etiology*
  • Encephalitis / therapy
  • Epilepsia Partialis Continua / etiology*
  • Epilepsia Partialis Continua / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male