Rotavirus Gastroenteritis Associated with Encephalopathy, Myositis, Transaminitis and Hypoalbuminemia

Rotavirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children. Manifestations of rotavirus gastroenteritis beyond gastrointestinal tract are rare. Rotavirus has been reported to be associated with encephalopathy, myositis and elevated liver enzymes; but simultaneous presentation of all these conditions in the same child is extremely rare. The authors report a case of 17-mo-old girl who presented with acute rotavirus gastroenteritis with G3 + G9P[8] strain associated with hypernatremia, encephalopathy, myositis, transaminitis and hypoalbuminemia. Child had complete recovery with no neurological sequalae on follow-up, and liver enzymes and albumin returned to normal. The authors suggest that rotavirus infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child with encephalopathy or myositis, particularly if associated with acute diarrhea.