Postencephalitic parkinsonism and selective involvement of substantia nigra in childhood

Abstract

Parkinsonism is a rare complication of encephalitis in childhood. Association to an isolated involvement of substantia nigra is exceptional. Mechanisms of nigral cells neurotropism remain hypothetic. We report on three children presenting with postencephalitic parkinsonism and selective involvement of substantia nigra, with literature review and we discuss pathogenic mechanisms.

Keywords: Childhood; Encephalitis; MRI; Parkinsonism; Substantia nigra.