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Tu R, Liu J, Cheng F, Weng W, Zhang H, Shu Y, Wu X, Hu Z, Zhang J. Case Report: Unusual Varicella-Zoster Virus Meningoencephalitis With Meningomyelitis Mimicking Central Nervous System Leukemia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:847219. [PMID: 35530048 PMCID: PMC9067377 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.847219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a human pathogen from the α-subfamily of herpesviruses. In immunocompromised patients, VZV may produce disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Clinical manifestations of CNS infection with VZV are non-specific and can mimic other infectious and non-infectious diseases. Due to similar symptoms, CNS infection with VZV represents a diagnostic challenge. Here, we report a case of a patient who showed laboratory and imaging manifestations mimicking the neoplastic etiology. Case A 31-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of headache, 5-h of confusion, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and transient fever. The patient has a history of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). His cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies revealed markedly elevated protein (10.326 g/L) and atypical cells. Meanwhile, the MRI of brain, cervical, and thoracic spine was reported as extensive (frontal, parieto-occipital and temporal pachymeningeal, and falx cerebri) enhancement and irregular thickening. These examinations suggested a suspicion of CNS involvement of AML. However, based on further investigations with metagenomic next-generation sequencing, a final diagnosis of VZV meningoencephalitis with meningomyelitis was made. With acyclovir and foscarnet sodium therapy, repeated CSF studies revealed normal cell count and protein. No atypical cells were found. The repeated brain MRI also revealed obvious resolution of the previous abnormal pachymeningeal enhancement. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of recognizing the unusual phenomenon of traditional tests in VZV meningoencephalitis with meningomyelitis, and timely using of further precise examinations to detect viral DNA, which is required to prevent missed diagnosis.
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Basher F, Camargo JF, Diaz-Paez M, Lekakis LJ, Pereira DL. Aseptic Meningitis after Recovery from SARS-CoV-2 in an Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CASE REPORTS 2021; 14:11795476211009811. [PMID: 33953633 PMCID: PMC8058782 DOI: 10.1177/11795476211009811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 emerged as a worldwide pandemic in late 2019 and initially was described as a primary respiratory illness. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are now known to encompass nearly all organ systems, including the central nervous system. We present a case of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient who recovered from documented SARS-CoV-2 infection and later presented with symptoms of meningitis. While cerebrospinal fluid analysis did not reveal any bacterial or viral etiologies, evidence of an inflammatory state, including ophthalmologic findings of episcleritis, indicate what is likely the first reported case of aseptic meningitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection after initial clinical recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmin Basher
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose F Camargo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Meilin Diaz-Paez
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lazaros J Lekakis
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Denise L Pereira
- Division of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Baumrin E, Cheng MP, Kanjilal S, Ho VT, Issa NC, Baden LR. Severe Herpes Zoster Requiring Intravenous Antiviral Treatment in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients on Standard Acyclovir Prophylaxis. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019; 25:1642-1647. [PMID: 31004745 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients are at increased risk for varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation and associated complications. The incidence, timing, and risk factors for severe herpes zoster (HZ) are not well described in the era of acyclovir (ACV) prophylaxis. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent first allogeneic HCT between October 2006 and December 2015 at our institution. Patients were followed until December 2017 for the development of severe HZ, defined as necessitating administration of i.v. antiviral medication. Out of 2163 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT, 22 (1.0%) developed severe HZ at a rate of 1 per 228 person-years, including dermatomal/multidermatomal disease (n = 5), disseminated skin disease (n = 5), HZ ophthalmicus (n = 4), meningitis/encephalitis (n = 4), pneumonia (n = 2), viremia (n = 1), and erythema multiforme (n = 1). Severe HZ infection occurred in a bimodal distribution during the early peri-HCT period and at 12 to 24 months post-HCT (median, 12.7 months). Twelve patients (54.5%) were compliant with ACV prophylaxis at the time of HZ diagnosis. Eleven patients (50%) died during the study period, only 2 of whom (9.1%) with active VZV infection. Mortality was higher in patients on immunosuppressive therapy (62.5% versus 16.7%; P = .045) and with concurrent graft-versus-host disease (75.0% versus 35.7%; P= .044). These data suggest that severe HZ remains an important consideration despite ACV prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Baumrin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Matthew P Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanjat Kanjilal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vincent T Ho
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicolas C Issa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lindsey R Baden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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Shimizu R, Ohwada C, Nagao Y, Togasaki E, Kawajiri C, Muto T, Tsukamoto S, Sakai S, Takeda Y, Mimura N, Takeuchi M, Sakaida E, Iseki T, Nakaseko C. The Successful Treatment of a Cord Blood Transplant Recipient with Varicella Zoster Virus Meningitis, Radiculitis and Myelitis with Foscarnet. Intern Med 2017; 56:353-356. [PMID: 28154282 PMCID: PMC5348462 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.56.6930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) with varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a rare occurrence after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We herein report a case of VZV meningitis, radiculitis and myelitis that developed 8 months after cord blood transplantation, shortly after the cessation of cyclosporine and low-dose acyclovir. Although treatment with acyclovir did not achieve a satisfactory response, the patient was successfully treated with foscarnet. Our report indicates that VZV infection should be considered in allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients with CNS symptoms and that foscarnet may be effective for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant VZV infections of the CNS. The development of optimal prophylactic strategies and vaccination schedules may eradicate post-transplant VZV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Shimizu
- Department of Hematology, Chiba University Hospital, Japan
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Schmidt-Hieber M, Silling G, Schalk E, Heinz W, Panse J, Penack O, Christopeit M, Buchheidt D, Meyding-Lamadé U, Hähnel S, Wolf HH, Ruhnke M, Schwartz S, Maschmeyer G. CNS infections in patients with hematological disorders (including allogeneic stem-cell transplantation)-Guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1207-25. [PMID: 27052648 PMCID: PMC4922317 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of CNS infections remains a great challenge in patients with hematological disorders since symptoms might both be masked and be mimicked by other conditions such as metabolic disturbances or consequences from antineoplastic treatment. Thus, awareness of this complication is crucial and any suspicion of a CNS infection should lead to timely and adequate diagnostics and treatment to improve the outcome in this population. Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are infrequently diagnosed in immunocompetent patients, but they do occur in a significant proportion of patients with hematological disorders. In particular, patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation carry a high risk for CNS infections of up to 15%. Fungi and Toxoplasma gondii are the predominant causative agents. The diagnosis of CNS infections is based on neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid examination and biopsy of suspicious lesions in selected patients. However, identification of CNS infections in immunocompromised patients could represent a major challenge since metabolic disturbances, side-effects of antineoplastic or immunosuppressive drugs and CNS involvement of the underlying hematological disorder may mimic symptoms of a CNS infection. The prognosis of CNS infections is generally poor in these patients, albeit the introduction of novel substances (e.g. voriconazole) has improved the outcome in distinct patient subgroups. This guideline has been developed by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) with the contribution of a panel of 14 experts certified in internal medicine, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, intensive care, neurology and neuroradiology. Grades of recommendation and levels of evidence were categorized by using novel criteria, as recently published by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schmidt-Hieber
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Berlin
| | - G Silling
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital, Aachen, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen
| | - E Schalk
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg
| | - W Heinz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Center of Internal Medicine, Würzburg
| | - J Panse
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital, Aachen, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen
| | - O Penack
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin
| | - M Christopeit
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg
| | - D Buchheidt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim
| | - U Meyding-Lamadé
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Nordwest Frankfurt, Frankfurt/M., Germany Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam Department of Neuroinfectiology, Otto-Meyerhof-Centre, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | - S Hähnel
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | - H H Wolf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Halle, Halle
| | - M Ruhnke
- Paracelsus Clinic Osnabrück, Osnabrück
| | - S Schwartz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin
| | - G Maschmeyer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Ernst von Bergmann Clinic, Potsdam, Germany
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Cohen BA, Stosor V. Opportunistic Infections of the Central Nervous System in the Transplant Patient. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2013; 13:376. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-013-0376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Suzuki J, Ashizawa M, Okuda S, Wada H, Sakamoto K, Terasako K, Sato M, Kimura SI, Kikuchi M, Nakasone H, Kako S, Yamazaki R, Oshima K, Nishida J, Kanda Y. Varicella zoster virus meningoencephalitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2012; 14:E7-12. [PMID: 22340704 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2012.00720.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Although the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), VZV meningoencephalitis is a rare life-threatening infectious disease after HSCT. We describe here a patient who developed VZV meningoencephalitis 2 years after human leukocyte antigen-matched unrelated HSCT for acute myeloblastic leukemia. She developed chronic graft-versus-host disease, and cyclosporine (CSA) was continued until 17 months after HSCT. Low-dose acyclovir (ACV) at 200 mg/day was administered to prevent the reactivation of VZV from day -7 to the termination of CSA. At 22 months, she suddenly developed fever, loss of consciousness, and seizure, with generalized skin rash. A high level of VZV DNA was detected in her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). She was diagnosed to have VZV meningoencephalitis. Intravenous ACV at 30 mg/kg/day was given for 2 months. Although loss of consciousness was quickly resolved, some neurologic symptoms persisted. She did not have any known risk factors for VZV reactivation. Therefore, we should keep in mind that any HSCT recipient may develop VZV meningoencephalitis, and examination of CSF for VZV infection with an empiric administration of ACV may be recommended for HSCT recipients with central nervous system symptoms, even in the absence of skin manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Suzuki
- Division of Hematology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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8
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Jen SPP, Sharma R, Kochar S. Probable acyclovir-induced angioedema in a patient with HIV infection and suspected varicella-zoster virus encephalitis. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2011; 68:2257-60. [PMID: 22095814 DOI: 10.2146/ajhp100639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A probable acyclovir-associated hypersensitivity reaction resulting in severe facial angioedema and respiratory distress is reported. SUMMARY A 51-year-old woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and end-stage renal disease arrived at the emergency department (ED) with a diffuse rash on the chest and back; she was diagnosed with varicella-zoster virus infection, received one dose of i.v. acyclovir, and was discharged home with a prescription for valacyclovir. After taking one dose of the drug, she became confused and agitated. The next day the patient returned to the ED; she was confused and unresponsive, with signs and symptoms suggesting viral encephalitis. After a workup including lumbar puncture fluid, she was treated empirically with i.v. acyclovir for viral encephalitis. Within one hour of receiving the acyclovir infusion, the patient developed angioedema of the lips, tongue, and periorbital areas requiring intubation and transfer to the intensive care unit. Further acyclovir therapy was withheld, and foscarnet therapy was initiated for the presumptive treatment of viral encephalitis. Over the next few days, the patient's angioedema completely resolved; her mental status gradually improved while she completed a 14-day course of foscarnet therapy. The application of the Naranjo scale indicated a probable adverse reaction to acyclovir, likely mediated by acyclovir-specific immunoglobulin E, highlighting the need to consider alternative antiviral agents without cross-reactivity to acyclovir in patients with confirmed or suspected viral encephalitis. CONCLUSION A 51-year-old woman with HIV infection developed probable acyclovir-induced angioedema after receiving i.v. acyclovir therapy for suspected viral encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Pung P Jen
- Pharmaceutical Care Division, The University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, USA.
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9
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Schmidt-Hieber M, Schwender J, Heinz WJ, Zabelina T, Kühl JS, Mousset S, Schüttrumpf S, Junghanss C, Silling G, Basara N, Neuburger S, Thiel E, Blau IW. Viral encephalitis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a rare complication with distinct characteristics of different causative agents. Haematologica 2010; 96:142-9. [PMID: 20851868 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2010.029876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available on characteristics of viral encephalitis in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 2,628 patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation to identify risk factors and characteristics of viral encephalitis. RESULTS Viral encephalitis occurred in 32 patients (1.2%, 95% confidence interval 0.8%-1.6%) and was associated with the use of OKT-3 or alemtuzumab for T-cell depletion (P < 0.001) and an increased mortality (P = 0.011) in comparison to patients without viral encephalitis. Detected viruses included human herpesvirus-6 (28%), Epstein-Barr virus (19%), herpes simplex virus (13%), JC virus (9%), varicella zoster virus (6%), cytomegalovirus (6%) and adenovirus (3%). More than one virus was identified in 16% of the patients. The median onset time was 106 days after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for the total group of 32 patients, but onset times were shortest in those with human herpesvirus-6 encephalitis and longest in those with JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The probability of a sustained response to treatment was 63% (95% confidence interval 44%-82%) with a median survival of 94 (95% confidence interval 36-152) days after onset, but significant variation was found when considering different causative viruses. Patients with herpes simplex virus encephalitis had the most favorable outcome with no encephalitis-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS The use of OKT-3 or alemtuzumab for in vivo T-cell depletion is associated with an increased risk of viral encephalitis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Different viruses are frequently associated with distinct characteristics such as onset time, response to treatment and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schmidt-Hieber
- Medizinische Klinik III (Hämatologie, Onkologie and Transfusionsmedizin), Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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Levin M, DeBiasi R, Bostik V, Schmid D. Herpes Zoster with Skin Lesions and Meningitis Caused by 2 Different Genotypes of the Oka Varicella‐Zoster Virus Vaccine. J Infect Dis 2008; 198:1444-7. [DOI: 10.1086/592452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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11
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Kim DH, Kumar D, Messner HA, Minden M, Gupta V, Kuruvilla J, Chae YS, Sohn SK, Lipton JH. Clinical efficacy of prophylactic strategy of long-term low-dose acyclovir for Varicella-Zoster virus infection after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation*. Clin Transplant 2008; 22:770-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2008.00877.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Vaccination after stem cell transplant: a review of recent developments and implications for current practice. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2008; 21:399-408. [DOI: 10.1097/qco.0b013e328307c7c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Neurologic complications are common after transplantation and affect 30-60% of transplant recipients. The etiology of most of the posttransplant neurologic disorders is related to the opportunistic infections, both systemic and involving central nervous system (CNS), toxicity of immunosuppressive medications, and the metabolic insult created by the underlying primary disease and the transplant procedure. Neuroimaging studies are one of the key tools in the evaluation and enable early diagnosis of neurologic complications in transplant patients, especially posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome, central pontine myelinolysis, intracerebral hemorrhage, and fungal and bacterial abscesses. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred technique, but each of the available neuroimaging techniques offers a unique insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying neurologic complications of transplantation. The role of neuroimaging in this population includes early detection of calcineurin inhibitor neurotoxicity, opportunistic infections, neoplasia, metabolic disorders, or cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, we can monitor longitudinal progression of disease and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasa Zivković
- VA Pittsburgh HCS and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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14
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Hackanson B, Zeiser R, Bley TA, Pantazis G, Huzly D, Bertz H, Finke J. Fatal varicella zoster virus encephalitis in two patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clin Transplant 2005; 19:566-70. [PMID: 16008607 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2005.00382.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced cellular immunocompetence following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) increases susceptibility to viral infections. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in this setting most commonly manifests as dermatomal herpes zoster but in some cases life-threatening VZV encephalitis occurs. STUDY DESIGN/RESULTS We describe the cases of two patients who presented with shingles 3 and 18 months, respectively, after HLA-matched peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Unfortunately, in the further clinical course both patients developed fatal VZV encephalitis, despite initial high-dose intravenous therapy with acyclovir and in one case with additional VZV-immunoglobulin. CONCLUSION These two cases suggest that rapid intervention with systemic treatment is warranted and raise the question whether initial combination therapy with intravenous acyclovir and foscarnet, VZV vaccination or long-term low-dose acyclovir are needed to improve treatment and clinical outcome in immunocompromised patients, having undergone allogeneic HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Hackanson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.
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15
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Reddy P, Davenport R, Ratanatharathorn V, Reynolds C, Silver S, Ayash L, Ferrara JLM, Uberti JP. West Nile virus encephalitis causing fatal CNS toxicity after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2003; 33:109-12. [PMID: 14566328 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1704293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We describe here a patient who died of progressive CNS deterioration following allogeneic stem cell transplant with West Nile virus as the sole pathogen on the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue analysis. A 50-year-old male with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) underwent allogeneic PBSCT from his HLA identical sister. After engraftment, the patient developed fever with progressive and ultimately fatal neurological deterioration. Imaging studies of the brain including CT and MRI scans were remarkable for mild low attenuation lesions of the white matter. CSF analysis was negative for neoplastic cells, bacteria, AFB, CMV, HSV, fungal infections and leukemic relapse. However, serological analysis of both the serum and CSF was positive for West Nile virus-specific IgM antibodies. At autopsy, West Nile virus PCR and cultures were positive in the mid-brain tissue. Electron micrographs showed evidence of viral particles. Given the recent increase in the spread of West Nile virus infections and the increased susceptibility of BMT patients to infectious complications, West Nile virus encephalitis should be considered in patients undergoing transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Reddy
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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16
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Abstract
The various forms of HSCT are or will soon be accepted treatments for an ever-increasing number of hematologic and solid cancers. Attempts to reduce the mortality and morbidity of HSCT and at the same time preserve or increase its efficacy in tumor control include development of nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem-cell transplant strategies [208] and allogeneic laboratory research-enhancing graft acceptance [209,210]. Eventually, these efforts will reduce complication rates of HSCT, including neurologic complications. In the interim, the consultant neuro-oncologist or neurologist with a specific inteest in this field is faced with complex clinical syndromes, neuroradiologic imaging studies and neurophysiologic tests, and generally poorly understood pathophysiologic mechanisms. Prospective studies of HSCT patients in large transplantation centers using clinical registries are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrikus G J Krouwer
- Neuro-Oncology Service, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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