Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) Following Measles Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

By Aferdita TAKO (KUMARAKU), Blerina SARACI QIRINXHI, Aida BUSHATI, Xhentila DOKA, Armand SHEHU, Rovena ALIAJ, Sindi DIZDARI, Paskal CULLUFI

Abstract
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by persistent infection with a mutant measles virus in the central nervous system. We present a pediatric case that developed SSPE years after a severe measles infection in early infancy. The diagnosis was confirmed by EEG,MRI findings, and detection of anti-measles IgG oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid. Despite immunomodulatory and antiviral therapies, the disease followed a progressive clinical course with poor prognosis. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the critical role of measles vaccination in preventing SSPE.