A progressive rubella panencephalitis is a neurological disease that occurs in a child with congenital rubella disease. It is probably caused by persistent or reactivated rubella infection.
Some children with congenital rubella syndrome (z. B. with deafness, cataracts, microcephaly and mental retardation) develop neurological deficits (congenital rubella) during adolescence.
A progressive rubella panencephalitis is a neurological disease that occurs in a child with congenital rubella disease. It is probably caused by persistent or reactivated rubella infection. Some children with congenital rubella syndrome (z. B. with deafness, cataracts, microcephaly and mental retardation) develop neurological deficits (congenital rubella) during adolescence. Diagnostic CSF examination and serological testing computed tomography (CT) If necessary brain biopsy Suspicion of this diagnosis is made when a child with congenital rubella syndrome develops progressive spasticity, ataxia, mental decline and seizures. Laboratory tests should include at least one CSF and serological tests. Increased CSF total protein and globulin and increased Rötelnantikörpertiter in CSF and serum occur. In computed tomography an enlargement of the ventricles of the brain due to a cerebellar atrophy and white matter changes may be visible. To exclude other causes of encephalitis or encephalopathy, a brain biopsy may be necessary. The rubella virus can not normally be cultured in the viral cell culture and not detected by immunohistochemistry. Therapy There is no specific treatment.