Background. The mosquito-borne dengue virus human infection is endemic in Brazil and the most populated São Paulo State concentrates a great number of cases. There is a wide range of possible clinical manifestations. Secondary dengue-related diseases and complications can show up with nonspecific symptoms to more severe hemorrhagic shock. Possible neurological manifestations are also a part of initial clinical assessment of an infected patient and can define severity of affection. Objective. This cases report aims to study complications dengue fever can present with and alert health care professionals dealing with this disease.
Patients. Here we present three cases of adult patients admitted in March 2015 at our hospital during a current epidemic of dengue viral infection in the State who experienced neurological complications in the convalescent phase of infection: a man with weakness (Guillian–Barré syndrome), a woman with visual loss (unilateral maculopathy), and a woman with aphasia (post-seizure Todd's palsy). The patients had in common a previously acute febrile disease diagnosed as dengue fever.
Results. After specific investigation and treatment, all of them had their complaints improved.
Conclusion. These various disease presentations on patients referred to neurological care should be promptly diagnosed and treated. To call attention and inform health teams on these different presentations is essential. The dissemination of new clinical guidelines for health professionals on non-tertiary services including these neurological complications might be useful and can yield better outcomes.
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© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.
