Acute postinfectious cerebellitis in a 7-year-old child with complete resolution after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: A case report

We report a 7-year-old child with severe gastroenteritis complicated by septic shock, later developing altered consciousness and quadriparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral cerebellar hyperintensities consistent with acute postinfectious cerebellitis. Cerebrospinal fluid was normal, with no pleocytosis or viral markers, supporting an immune-mediated etiology. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (2 g/kg over 48 h) was chosen over steroids for its immunomodulatory effect in this postinfectious context. Neurological recovery was complete. This case underscores the value of early MRI in children with new neurological deficits after infection and suggests IVIG as a safe, effective therapy for postinfectious cerebellitis when steroids pose risks.