CONVULSIONS WITH MILD GASTROENTERITIS

Key words: Gastroenteritis, Convulsions, Rotavirus

Convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CWG) in small children have been frequently reported in the Japanese medical literature since 1982 but only recently mentioned in western countries. Although the diagnosis is one of exclusion, some peculiar clinical features suggest a common pathophysiological mechanism, albeit unknown. Nevertheless its benign clinical evolution without treatment renders knowledge of this association worthwhile for paediatricians. Three cases that seem particularly significant of this clinical entity are presented and the relevant literature is briefly reviewed.