Title: A Vaccine can prevent subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis(SSPE) is a rare, slow, and insidious neurodegenerative disease caused by measle. This disease mostly has a classic course. However, sometimes it can be presented with atypical manifestations and fulminant course. Aim: To report different courses of SSPE, when a patient comes with neurological manifestations, SSPE should always be one of the differential diagnoses. Methods: The files of 4 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of SSPE in Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Neurology Service between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and patients with a follow-up period of at least one year were included in the study. Case Summary: In this paper, we aim to present four male cases mean age of 6 ±1,7 that were hospitalized due to seizures and ataxia. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense lesions in the thalamic, brainstem, and periventricular area. Periodic epileptiform discharges were detected in the repeated electroencephalogram. Investigations from the cerebrospinal fluid showed markedly elevated anti-measles virus IgG, which was consistent with the diagnosis of SSPE, which should always be ruled out when a patient comes in with uncontrollable seizures ataxia, and apathy. Conclusion.SSPE is a preventable disease; effective and timely vaccination is vital to induce adequate protective immunity in preventing fatal SSPE.