Acute Fulminant Cerebral Edema Caused by Influenza Type B in an 18-Year-Old Female: A Rare Case

Most influenza B infections are self-limited, but in some instances, they can cause substantial morbidity and mortality due to complications. Acute fulminant cerebral edema (AFCE) is one of the rare complications. AFCE, a consequence of acute encephalitis, presents as acute onset of alteration in mental status, seizure, and/or headache followed by rapidly progressive encephalopathy, often leading to death. The exact pathophysiology of AFCE is unknown, but many pathomechanisms have been proposed. We present a case of an 18-year-old female in excellent physical condition who presented with respiratory insufficiency after being recently diagnosed with influenza B infection. Three days later, she developed acute encephalopathy, leading to brain death. To our knowledge, this rare case of AFCE developing following influenza B infection is the first reported case outside the pediatric population.