Atypical presentation of varicella-zoster virus encephalitis in an immunocompetent adult

Mpaka, Maria; Karantanas, Apostolos H.; Zakynthinos, Epaminondas

doi:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2007.02.009

Cited by 17 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 32 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Mpaka et al . have described the case of a previously healthy 66-year-old man whose obtundation deteriorated to coma within 24 hours of disease onset [ 6 ] after the development of lymphocytic meningitis with multiple, bilateral edematous and hemorrhagic lesions predominantly in the white matter, and intraventricular and subarachnoid hemorrhaging. The diagnosis of VZV encephalitis was confirmed by PCR analysis of the CSF, and he received adequate treatment with acyclovir.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case of meningitis due to varicella zoster virus reactivation in an immunocompetent child

et al. 2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundThe development of neurological complications due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is relatively uncommon, particularly in the case of immunocompetent patients. Only a few cases have been described in the literature, most of which involved adult or elderly patients.Clinical presentationTwo days after his pediatrician had diagnosed herpes zoster and prescribed oral acyclovir 400 mg three times a day, a 14-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital because of mild fever, severe headache, slowness, drowsiness and vomiting. A cerebrospinal fluid examination was performed and showed an increased protein concentration (95 mg/dL), normal glucose level (48 mg/dL; blood glucose level, 76 mg/dL) and lymphocytic pleocytosis (1,400 lymphocytes/μL), and VZV DNA was detected by means of polymerase chain reaction (1,250 copies/mL). The results of immunological screening for HIV, lymphocyte subpopulation counts, serum immunoglobulin and complement (C3 and C4) levels, vaccine responsiveness and lymphocytes stimulation tests were unremarkable. Acyclovir was administered intravenously at a dose of 10 mg/kg three times a day and continued for 10 days. The therapy was highly effective and the patient’s clinical condition rapidly improved: fever disappeared after two days, and all of the signs and symptoms of neurological involvement after four days. The skin lesions resolved in about one week, and no pain or dysesthesia was ever reported. Given the favourable evolution of the illness, the child was discharged without further therapy after the 10-day treatment. The findings of a magnetic resonance examination immediately after the discontinuation of the antiviral therapy were normal, and a control examination carried out about four weeks later did not find any sign or symptom of disease.ConclusionVZV reactivation can also lead to various neurological complications in immunocompetent children. Prompt therapy with acyclovir and the integrity of the immune system are important in conditioning outcome, but other currently unknown factors probably also play a role.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A case of meningitis due to varicella zoster virus reactivation in an immunocompetent child

et al. 2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The clinical syndromes as described in the literature can be divided into involvement of the cranial nerves and spinal cord, acute aseptic meningitis, and encephalitis 1–4 . Meningitis and encephalitis commonly present with disorientation and an altered state of consciousness 2,5,6 . This case was remarkable because psychosis without signs of delirium or other changes in consciousness has never been described as a symptom of VZV encephalitis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

An Unusual Presentation of a Varicella Zoster Virus Encephalitis in a Patient Treated for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Meester¹,

Kuper²,

Otten³

et al. 2010

J American Geriatrics Society

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…Other typical symptoms of VZV were not evident in the chimpanzee, and the results were also positive in other chimpanzees in the institute, which indicated that VZV had been spread among the group in the past. While some cases of encephalitis caused by VZV without other typical symptoms in humans with immune deficiency have been reported [19], there was no evidence that the chimpanzee had an impaired immune system. The causes of ATM are sometimes uncertain and may be idiopathic in humans.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Tetraparesis resembling acute transverse myelitis in a captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): long‐term care and recovery

Miyabe‐Nishiwaki

Kaneko

Nishiwaki

et al. 2010

J of Medical Primatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The chimpanzee's condition most resembled acute transverse myelitis (ATM) in humans. The chimpanzee was in severe incapacitated neurological condition with bedridden status and required 24-hour attention for 2 months followed by special care for over a year. Initially, corticosteroid therapy was performed, and his neurological symptoms improved to some extent; however, the general condition of the chimpanzee deteriorated in the first 6 months after onset. Pressure ulcers had developed at various areas on the animal's body, as the bedridden status was protracted. Supportive therapy was continued, and the general condition, appetite, mobility, and pressure ulcers have slowly but synergistically recovered over the course of 2 years.

show abstract

Atypical presentation of varicella-zoster virus encephalitis in an immunocompetent adult

Cited by 17 publications

References 32 publications

A case of meningitis due to varicella zoster virus reactivation in an immunocompetent child

A case of meningitis due to varicella zoster virus reactivation in an immunocompetent child

An Unusual Presentation of a Varicella Zoster Virus Encephalitis in a Patient Treated for Metastatic Prostate Cancer

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Tetraparesis resembling acute transverse myelitis in a captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes): long‐term care and recovery

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About