Kolkata, April 08, 2026 : Fortis Hospital, Anandapur has successfully treated a highly complex and life-threatening case involving a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy of Childhood (ANEC) – a rare neurological condition associated with severe inflammation of the brain. The team of doctors led by Dr Ritika Ghosh Dastidar, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Intensivist, Fortis Hospital Anandapur successfully treated the child with advanced life support and multi-disciplinary care, leading to gradual recovery. Globally, only a few hundred such cases have been reported in medical literature.
Upon admission at Fortis Anandapur, the child was suffering from seizures and abnormal posturing. Initial investigations revealed significant blood clots in the brain, along with liver dysfunction, and extremely high levels of inflammation in the body. A brain scan confirmed Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy – a rare and rapidly worsening brain condition that could have turned fatal if not treated promptly. As the illness progressed, the child’s kidneys stopped functioning properly and advanced dialysis support was required to remove toxins and control the inflammation.
The child developed severe infections during the course of treatment, leading to significant immune compromise and requiring intensive medical support to maintain blood pressure and cardiac function. After two weeks of mechanical ventilation, a tracheostomy – a small surgical opening in the windpipe, was performed to aid prolonged respiratory support. The clinical course was further complicated by recurrent episodes of sudden fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, necessitating close monitoring and advanced critical care management.
Following nearly two months in intensive care, the child showed steady recovery. At the time of discharge, repeat brain imaging demonstrated recovery. The child was able to breathe independently through the tracheostomy, receive nutrition via a feeding tube, and exhibited gradual neurological improvement.
Giving details of the case, Dr Ritika Ghosh Dastidar, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Intensivist, Fortis Hospital Anandapur said, “ANEC is an extremely rare and aggressive brain condition in children, which can deteriorate very rapidly and become life-threatening within hours. Managing such a condition
requires not just advanced medical treatment, but constant monitoring and close coordination between multiple specialties. Despite facing several life-threatening complications during the course of treatment, the child showed remarkable resilience. We remain hopeful that with continued rehabilitation and follow-up care, the child will make further progress in the months ahead.”
Ashish Mukherjee, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Anandapur said, “This case highlights the strength of pediatric critical care at Fortis Hospital Anandapur, where advanced technology, clinical expertise, and coordinated multidisciplinary care come together to manage the most complex conditions.”
