A Rare Case Report of Dengue Fever Presenting With Acute Leukoencephalopathy With Restricted Diffusion

Abstract

Acute leukoencephalopathy with restricted diffusion (ALERD) is an emerging clinico-radiological syndrome marked by sudden onset encephalopathy and characteristic restricted diffusion in the subcortical white matter on MRI. While typically linked to other viral etiologies, its association with dengue fever is not well known and is rarely documented in the literature. In this report, we describe a rare case of ALERD associated with dengue fever in a young patient, emphasizing clinical features, neuroimaging findings, management, and outcome. This case reinforces the need to consider dengue as a potential etiologic factor for ALERD in endemic regions and highlights the importance of timely intervention for improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: adem; alerd; anec; dengue; encephalopathy; neuroradiology; seizure; viral encephalitis.