Herpes simplex meningitis after removal of a vestibular schwannoma: case report and review of the literature.
Otol Neurotol 2013;
33:1422-5. [PMID:
22975906 DOI:
10.1097/mao.0b013e3182693a03]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
We present a case of postoperative herpes simplex type 1 viral meningitis after retrosigmoid craniotomy and uncomplicated removal of a vestibular schwannoma. This is a very rare complication that can mimic aseptic meningitis and could lead to devastating consequences for the patient, if unrecognized.
PATIENT
A healthy 49-year-old woman underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy and resection of a 2.4-cm vestibular schwannoma. She developed worsening headache and low-grade fever on postoperative Day 10 and underwent lumbar puncture showing a lymphocyte predominant pleocytosis. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for herpes simplex type 1 virus; bacterial cultures were negative. The patient subsequently developed a pseudomeningocele and mild hydrocephalus.
INTERVENTION
The patient was readmitted to the hospital, started on corticosteroids, and a lumbar drain was placed. She completed a 14-day course of antiviral therapy (4 d intravenous as an inpatient and 10 d oral outpatient therapy).
RESULTS
At 1 month follow-up, she was completely asymptomatic, and her pseudomeningocele had resolved.
CONCLUSION
The diagnosis of herpes simplex viral meningitis should be suspected in clinical cases of postsurgical meningitis with a lymphocyte predominant pleocytosis and negative bacterial cultures. Antiviral therapy should be initiated immediately after confirmatory polymerase chain reaction testing to avoid potential long-term sequelae of a herpes simplex infection of the central nervous system.
Collapse