AUTHOR=Sannes Ida , Harr Marianne E. , Antal Ellen-Ann , Beyer Mona K. , Nordengen Kaja 

TITLE=Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis with gradual symptom onset: Case Report and literature review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 19 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1557046

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2025.1557046

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=This report highlights an atypical case of acute hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis (AHLE) in a 73-year-old male, contributing valuable insights into the disease’s progression in older adults. AHLE, a rare and often fatal central nervous system disorder typically affecting younger individuals, with a median age of 33. Our patient experienced atypical subacute symptoms over 3 months, the longest duration reported, and ultimately achieved a functional outcome with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 2. A comprehensive review of 152 cases available through PubMed, revealing a 58% mortality rate with a median survival of just 2 days, and a mean mRS of 4.3, though survivor exhibited a more favorable mean mRS of 1.8. Only 6% of cases had a subacute onset of 3 weeks or more.