Rare brain condition blamed in Bishop Britt's death

Published: 2004-06-08

DETROIT (CNS) -- It was a rare brain condition that claimed the life of Bishop Kevin M. Britt of Grand Rapids May 15, the chief medical examiner of Kent County said in a statement released June 4 in Grand Rapids. "Bishop Britt died of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis," Dr. Stephen D. Cohle said of his findings after completing an autopsy. He described the condition as "a rare postinfectious condition caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain mediated by antibodies produced by the patient." The 59-year-old bishop had been found dead at his residence. The cause of death was initially given as "natural causes," with a more specific explanation having to await the autopsy results. He had complained of headaches during a recent visit to Rome, and upon his return home he was scheduled to undergo an MRI, magnetic resonance imaging. But he died a week before the test could be conducted.

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