Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Explore the latest content from across our publications

Log In

Forgot Password?
Create New Account

Loading... please wait

Abstract Details

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Associated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin in a patient with Clostridium Difficile Infection
Infectious Disease
Infectious Disease Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)
051
 We describe an atypical clinical presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) that occurred three days after a patient received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the setting of C. Difficile Infection (CDI). 
PRES has been reported as a rare complication of IVIG therapy. The mechanism of PRES in these cases is not well understood. Occasionally, IVIG which contains anti-C. difficile antibodies has been used as add-on therapy to antibiotics in refractory CDI.
Case report 

A 65-year-old woman presented to the hospital with sepsis secondary to C. diff colitis in the setting of recent antibiotic use for a urinary tract infection. She was on adalimumab and methotrexate at home for history of rheumatoid arthritis. She was initially started on IV fluids, vancomycin, and metronidazole. Metronidazole was discontinued due to intractable nausea and vomiting. Infectious disease physician recommended treatment with 0.3 gm/kg one-time dose of IVIG. Three days later, neurology was consulted after she had witnessed generalized tonic-clonic seizures and became encephalopathic.  A CT brain showed new bilateral occipital and parietal juxtacortical and subcortical white matter hypodensities, which were not present on admission. MRI brain also showed generalized vasogenic edema in both occipital and parietal lobes consistent with PRES. She was treated with levetiracetam for her seizures. EEG revealed generalized slowing with sharp waves of epileptogenic potential in the left temporal region. Her encephalopathy improved with supportive treatment, and she was later discharged ten days after initial presentation.

We present a rare case of PRES after IVIG treatment in severe CDI. Other factors in the current case could have also possibly contributed to the development of PRES including sepsis and prior chronic use of immunosuppressant agents. However, this case illustrates the need for caution when using IVIG for treating refractory CDI and requisite for further evidence of its use in this condition.
Authors/Disclosures
John Z. Cavendish, MD, PhD (Penn State Hershey Medical Center)
PRESENTER
Mr. Cavendish has nothing to disclose.
Apoorv Prasad, MBBS (Wellspan Neurology) Dr. Prasad has nothing to disclose.
Shitiz K. Sriwastava, MBBS (UT Health Houston) Dr. Sriwastava has nothing to disclose.