title: The Janus-faced nature of Rasmussen's encephalitis.
abstract: Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is an inflammatory unilateral progressive medically refractory epilepsy associated with hemiparesis, cognitive dysfunction, and hemispheric atrophy. Here, we present 2 cases from our institution that demonstrate the dual nature of RE in 2 similarly aged children. Overall, 2 types of RE have been described: type 1 has a short prodromal phase and more explosive onset and type 2 has a longer prodromal of partial seizures followed by hemiparesis and atrophy. Younger patients are more likely to fit into the type 1 presentation and have been described as more likely to have dual pathology. Perhaps the patients with a more acute onset are more likely to have a dual pathology as is found in our 2 cases. We review the typical findings in RE and discuss current treatment options, highlighting new experimental treatments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Press
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO. Electronic address: kevin.chapman@childrenscolorado.org.
authors.forename: Kevin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D012640:Seizures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology