Except for the fact that the family lived near an area in which western equine encephalitis was endemic, there was no other pertinent clinical history.
After seizure activity stopped with lorazepam(Drug information on lorazepam) administration, clinical evaluation was initiated. A CBC count and renal panel were ordered and the child was prepared for a lumbar puncture to rule out encephalitis.
Fundoscopy was performed before the lumbar puncture; an adult ophthalmologist confirmed the presence of retinal hemorrhages. There was no evidence of increased intracranial pressure. Findings similar to those in the Figure were noted.
CT scans of the head were normal, as were results of the lumbar puncture. The CBC count results were normal for age. Tests of renal function were as follows: sodium, 148 mmol/L (normal, 132-141); chloride, 110 mmol/L (98-107); carbon dioxide, 13 mmol/L (normal, 16-25); potassium, 3.2 mmol/L (normal, 3.3-4.7). The glucose level was 35 g/dL.
The ophthalmologist was not able to rule abuse in or out based on his examination because of the number of retinal hemorrhages seen on the exam.
Two additional lab tests were requested because of the acidosis and hypoglycemia. The lactic acid(Drug information on lactic acid) was normal; the serum ammonia was 300 mmoL/L (normal, 0-32). The hypoglycemia was treated and the child was transferred to a tertiary care center.
Do you suspect abuse—-or do the physical symptoms suggest an underlying medical explanation?
