An acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (clinical case)

Abstract

Hurst’s disease (acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis) is a rare fulminant demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It was singled out as a separate nosological form in the middle of the 20th century. The etiology is not fully understood. According to statistics, the disease most often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection. Patients have an increase in body temperature up to febrile values, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, cognitive impairments. When making a diagnosis, they are guided by the results of neuroimaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging), analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, and brain biopsy. Corticosteroids, acyclovir, antibiotics, immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis are used for treatment. The prognosis in patients with acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis is poor.