Can early-onset acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS) hide pediatric Behcet's disease? A case report

Behcet's disease (BD) is a rare vasculitis characterized by multisystemic inflammation. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rare and heterogeneous, particularly in the pediatric population. A diagnosis of neuro-Behcet could be highly challenging, especially if neurological manifestation...

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Main Authors: Mattia Pozzato (Author), Robertino Dilena (Author), Greta Rogani (Author), Gisella Beretta (Author), Sofia Torreggiani (Author), Stefano Lanni (Author), Alessandra Tozzo (Author), Francesca Andreetta (Author), Paola Cavalcante (Author), Fabio Triulzi (Author), Filippo Martinelli Boneschi (Author), Francesca Minoia (Author), Giovanni Filocamo (Author)
Format: Book
Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Behcet's disease (BD) is a rare vasculitis characterized by multisystemic inflammation. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is rare and heterogeneous, particularly in the pediatric population. A diagnosis of neuro-Behcet could be highly challenging, especially if neurological manifestations precede other systemic features; however, its timely definition is crucial to prevent long-term sequelae. In this study, we describe the case of a girl who, at 13 months of age, presented with a first episode of encephalopathy compatible with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, followed, after 6 months, by a neurological relapse characterized by ophthalmoparesis and gait ataxia, in association with new inflammatory lesions in the brain and spinal cord, suggesting a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. The neurological manifestations were successfully treated with high-dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. In the following months, the patient developed a multisystemic involvement suggestive of Behcet's disease, characterized by polyarthritis and uveitis, associated with HLA-B51 positivity. The challenge presented by this unique case required a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric neurologists, neuro-radiologists, and pediatric rheumatologists, with all of these specialists creating awareness about early-onset acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADSs). Given the rarity of this presentation, we performed a review of the literature focusing on neurological manifestations in BD and differential diagnosis of patients with early-onset ADS.
Item Description:2296-2360
10.3389/fped.2023.1175584