Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a chronic progressive, usually fatal disease of uncertain pathogenesis that is associated with the presence of mutant measles virus in the CNS. The diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and an elevated titre of measles antibodies in the CSF. Electroencephalography, imaging studies and measles antibody synthesis rate in the CSF provide supportive laboratory data. When CSF studies are negative, a brain biopsy is indicated to assess the presence of inclusion bodies, measles virus antigens or viral RNA.