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Wells, Rudolph

Mayo Clinic

University of Florida

Citations 1

11-Year-Old Boy With B-ALL–Induced Hypereosinophilic Syndrome Presenting as Acute Encephalopathy

Pediatrics | April 2, 2025 | Volume: 155 | Issue: 5 | Pages: No page available

10.1542/peds.2024-068064 | PMID 40169155

Encephalopathy is a disturbance in neurologic function. It is commonly attributed to infectious and inflammatory etiologies but encompasses a wide differential. Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare cause of encephalopathy that is associated with underlying infection or malignancy. We present a pediatric patient who experienced several days of worsening encephalopathy and neurological deterioration associated with influenza B infection and hypereosinophilia. A thorough workup ultimately revealed a diagnosis of HES secondary to B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This case exemplifies the importance of maintaining a broad approach to the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of encephalopathy.