[Fulminant EBV meningoencephalitis : Good clinical outcome in a young, immunocompetent female]

Epstein-Barr Virus Encephalitis: A Review of Case Reports from the Last 25 Years

Although uncommon, Epstein-Barr virus-related neurological disorders represent the seventh most frequent cause of infectious encephalitis in adults. The limited number of publications on EBV encephalitis mainly document isolated clinical cases. This study aimed to summarize published data on EBV encephalitis. A systematic literature search identified 97 EBV encephalitis cases. In the selected cases, EBV-related neurological disorders manifested as lymphocytic pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with moderate hyperproteinorachia. The EBV PCR test was positive in 87% of the CSF samples, with wide-ranging viral loads. When encephalitis occurred in the context of past EBV infections, all of the EBV PCR tests on CSF samples were positive. On the contrary, negative EBV PCR tests on CSF samples occurred only in the context of primary infections. EBV PCR was rarely carried out on blood samples, contributing minimally to the diagnosis. For the treatment of EBV encephalitis, Aciclovir was used alone in 29% of cases, and in association with other drugs in 40% of cases. Ganciclovir (30%), corticoids (52%), and immunoglobulins (15%) were mainly used in association with other drugs. Cerebral imaging was abnormal in 69% of cases, mostly in the cerebellum and basal ganglia. This work highlights that the EBV PCR test on CSF samples is currently the main laboratory diagnostic test to diagnose EBV encephalitis. This diagnostic test is useful; however, it is imperfect. New complementary diagnostic tools, approved treatments, and standardized practices could improve patient management.

A case of EBV encephalomyelitis with positive anti-GFAP-IgG antibody with recurrent fever and dysuresia as the main symptoms: Case report and retrospective analysis

RATIONALE

Due to neuronal destruction caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, exposure to neuronal surface antigens may lead to an imbalance in immune tolerance, which in turn triggers an autoimmune response. In addition, due to the involvement of nonspecific B-cell activation or molecular mimicry, EBV and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) receptors may have common epitopes. Viral infection triggers activation of B-cell and cross-reaction with viral antibodies, resulting in autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The clinical presentation may be complex or even atypical. A small number of patients may develop autoimmune reactions.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Most patients with EBV encephalomyelitis have a good prognosis, with the disease generally having a short course, few complications, and a good prognosis. In most patients, after treatment, their neurological function basically recovers within a few weeks or months.

DIAGNOSIS INTERVENTIONS

The patient had fever and headache. His 3 tests for cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) are consistent with the features of viral encephalomyelitis. Pathogenic examination of CSF confirmed EBV, and imaging suggested brain and spinal cord involvement. After antiviral treatment, the patient's symptoms relieved. The diagnosis of EBV encephalomyelitis was considered. However, the patient's temperature continued to increase. He was transferred to a superior hospital and was given GFAP-Ab in CSF, which was strongly positive. The patient was given immunoglobulin and antiviral therapy. This supports the diagnosis of GFAP-IgG antibody positive with EBV encephalomyelitis.

OUTCOMES

After treatment with antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins, the patient's symptoms improved and he was able to function.

LESSONS

EBV encephalomyelitis is a rare clinical disease. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the early diagnosis and treatment of similar patients to avoid misdiagnosis. CSF tests, genetic tests, and imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis.