Reversible frontal lobe syndrome associated with influenza virus infectionin children

Two patients, a 3-year-old female and a 1-year-old female, both with a foca l encephalopathic process associated with influenza A virus infection, are reported. Both children had neuropsychologic signs suggesting frontal and l imbic dysfunction, without disturbances of consciousness or motor function, and had good recoveries. The results of single-photon emission computed to mography and electroencephalography support the finding of reversible impai rment of the frontal and limbic areas. Focal reversible encephalopathy has rarely been reported in association with influenza virus infection, althoug h it often provokes diffuse encephalopathies, with a poor prognosis. (C) 20 00 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.