The authors describe an atypical and serious course of Central European tick-borne encephalomyelitis in a 36-year-old man who was treated for m. Hodkin. There was a rapid development of flaccid quadriplegia, complete paralysis of the cranial nerves and relative protein-cytological dissociation in the CSF with a lethal outcome. The diagnosis was confirmed by complement fixation, ELISA method and virological investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and microscopic autopsy examination supported the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis, particularly from Guillain-Barré syndrome is discussed.

        Key words: Central European tick-borne encephalomyelitis, MRI abnormalities, Guillain-Barré syndro- me