An unusual complication of dengue infection

Chien J, Ong A, Low SY
Correspondence: Dr Jaime Chien Mei Fong, jaimechien@yahoo.com.sg

ABSTRACT
We present an unusual complication of dengue infection resulting in postviral phrenic neuropathy and diaphragmatic paralysis in a 34-year-old man. There is a paucity of literature on this condition, with postviral neuropathies previously reported to be associated commonly with herpes zoster, poliovirus, and rarely, West Nile virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of flavivirus causing isolated postviral phrenic neuropathy and diaphragmatic paralysis.

Keywords: dengue infection, diaphragmatic paralysis, postviral phrenic neuropathy
Singapore Med J 2008; 49(12): e340-e342