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Reactivation and centripetal spread of herpes simplex virus complicating acoustic neuroma resection.

Authors :
Jalloh I
Guilfoyle MR
Lloyd SK
Macfarlane R
Smith C
Source :
Surgical neurology [Surg Neurol] 2009 Nov; Vol. 72 (5), pp. 502-4. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Jul 23.
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

Background: Herpes simplex is a common human pathogen that has rare but severe manifestations including encephalitis.<br />Case Description: A 44-year-old man underwent uneventful resection of an acoustic neuroma. Postoperatively, he developed swinging pyrexia, vomiting, and episodic confusion. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid showed a lymphocytosis, and polymerase chain reaction revealed herpes simplex DNA. After treatment of herpes encephalitis with acyclovir, the patient made a good recovery.<br />Conclusion: Herpes encephalitis is a rare complication of neurosurgical procedures, and the most likely etiology is reactivation of latent infection from manipulation of cranial nerves.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-3339
Volume :
72
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Surgical neurology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
19631366
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surneu.2008.11.002