First attack of Kleine-Levin syndrome triggered by influenza B mimicking influenza-associated encephalopathy

Intern Med. 2012;51(12):1605-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.7051. Epub 2012 Jun 15.

Abstract

Six days after the onset of influenza B symptoms, a 14-year-old Japanese boy presented with encephalopathy-like symptoms, somnolence, irritability, and childishness, which we first considered was an atypical type of influenza-associated encephalopathy because the infection symptoms disappeared by day 4. His encephalopathy-like symptoms gradually improved, although he had repetitive hypersomnia attacks. Owing to the patient's clinical presentation and normal interleukin-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid during the first period of hypersomnia, we diagnosed him with Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) triggered by influenza B. The preceding influenza infection was not only a diagnostic clue of KLS but also a diagnostic confounding factor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Influenza B virus*
  • Influenza, Human / complications*
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome / etiology*
  • Male