Dengue fever with ischemic stroke - A case report

Background: Dengue fever, especially dengue hemorrhagic fever, often presents with thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic phenomenon. Neurologic manifestations are uncommon. Review Summary: We report a case of dengue fever with thrombocytopenia and ischemic stroke. Only supportive treatment was instituted. The neurologic deficits of the patient were initially progressive and then improved. The platelet count correlated well with the disease severity and the neurologic deficits. The time course was compatible with the critical stage in dengue hemorrhagic fever. Some studies show that immunomodulators or immunosuppressants may reverse thrombocytopenia such that the bleeding episodes improve rapidly. Conclusion: Dengue fever may present as ischemic stroke.