1
|
Bai S, Zhang C, Yao X, Shao H, Huang G, Liu J, Hao Y, Guan Y. A novel classification model based on cerebral 18F-FDG uptake pattern facilitates the diagnosis of acute/subacute seropositive autoimmune encephalitis. J Neuroradiol 2023; 50:492-501. [PMID: 37142216 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the intrinsic alteration of cerebral 18F-FDG metabolism in acute/subacute seropositive autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and to propose a universal classification model based on 18F-FDG metabolic patterns to predict AE. METHODS Cerebral 18F-FDG PET images of 42 acute/subacute seropositive AE patients and 45 healthy controls (HCs) were compared using voxelwise and region of interest (ROI)-based schemes. The mean standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) of 59 subregions according to a modified Automated Anatomical Labeling (AAL) atlas were compared using a t-test. Subjects were randomly divided into a training set (70%) and a testing set (30%). Logistic regression models were built based on the SUVRs and the models were evaluated by determining their predictive value in the training and testing sets. RESULTS The 18F-FDG uptake pattern in the AE group was characterized by increased SUVRs in the brainstem, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and temporal lobe, and decreased SUVRs in the occipital, and frontal regions with voxelwise analysis (false discovery rate [FDR] p<0.05). Utilizing ROI-based analysis, we identified 15 subareas that exhibited statistically significant changes in SUVRs among AE patients compared to HC (FDR p<0.05). Further, a logistic regression model incorporating SUVRs from the calcarine cortex, putamen, supramarginal gyrus, cerebelum_10, and hippocampus successfully enhanced the positive predictive value from 0.76 to 0.86 when compared to visual assessments. This model also demonstrated potent predictive ability, with AUC values of 0.94 and 0.91 observed for the training and testing sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS During the acute/subacute stages of seropositive AE, alterations in SUVRs appear to be concentrated within physiologically significant regions, ultimately defining the general cerebral metabolic pattern. By incorporating these key regions into a new classification model, we have improved the overall diagnostic efficiency of AE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Bai
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830063, China; Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenpeng Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Yao
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongda Shao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gan Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yong Hao
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yangtai Guan
- Department of Neurology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Venkatesan A, Habis R, Geocadin RG. Approach to acute encephalitis in the intensive care unit. Curr Opin Crit Care 2023; 29:89-98. [PMID: 36794940 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000001028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the identification of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and the emergence of new causes of infectious encephalitis (IE). However, management of these patients remains challenging, with many requiring care in intensive care units. Here, we describe recent advances in the diagnosis and management of acute encephalitis. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in the identification of clinical presentations, neuroimaging biomarkers, and electroencephalogram patterns have enabled more rapid diagnosis of encephalitis. Newer modalities such as meningitis/encephalitis multiplex PCR panels, metagenomic next-generation sequencing, and phage display-based assays are being evaluated in an effort to improve detection of autoantibodies and pathogens. Specific advances in the treatment of AE include establishment of a systematic approach to first-line therapies and the development of newer second-line modalities. The role of immunomodulation and its applications in IE are actively being investigated. In the ICU, particular attention to status epilepticus, cerebral edema, and dysautonomia may improve outcomes. SUMMARY Substantial diagnostic delays still occur, with many cases left without an identified etiology. Antiviral therapies remain scarce, and optimal treatment regimens for AE still need to be clarified. Nevertheless, our understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to encephalitis is rapidly evolving.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ralph Habis
- Johns Hopkins Encephalitis Center, Department of Neurology
| | - Romergryko G Geocadin
- Johns Hopkins Encephalitis Center, Department of Neurology
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Anaesthesia/Critical Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ralls F, Cutchen L, Grigg-Damberger MM. Recognizing New-Onset Sleep Disorders in Autoimmune Encephalitis Often Prompt Earlier Diagnosis. J Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 39:363-371. [PMID: 35239557 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Sleep/wake disorders are common in patients with autoimmune encephalitis, sometimes the most prominent or sole initial symptom, then delaying diagnosis. Sleep/wake disorders in autoimmune encephalitis vary and include severe sleeplessness, hypersomnia, central and/or obstructive sleep apnea, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, indeterminate sleep/wake states, and loss of circadian sleep/wake rhythms. N-methyl- d aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDAR) is often associated with insomnia, then hypersomnia and sleep-related central hypoventilation. Profound sleeplessness and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are seen in patients with voltage-gated potassium channel-complex antibodies. Fragmented sleep and hypersomnia are common in paraneoplastic syndromes associated with anti-MA protein encephalitis; rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder in those with antibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein (LGI1) or contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2) antibodies. Antibodies against a cell adhesion protein IGLON5 may result in obstructive sleep apnea, inspiratory stridor, disorganized nonrapid eye movement sleep, and excessive movements and parasomnias fragmenting nonrapid and rapid eye movement sleep. Recognizing a particular sleep/wake disorder is often a presenting or prominent feature in certain autoimmune encephalitis permit for earlier diagnosis. This is important because reduced morbidity and better short- and long-term outcomes are associated with earlier diagnosis and immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Ralls
- New Mexico Sleep Labs, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Lisa Cutchen
- Omni Sleep, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A.; and
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gill AJ, Venkatesan A. Pathogenic mechanisms in neuronal surface autoantibody-mediated encephalitis. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 368:577867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
5
|
Otto F, Harrer C, Pilz G, Wipfler P, Harrer A. Role and Relevance of Cerebrospinal Fluid Cells in Diagnostics and Research: State-of-the-Art and Underutilized Opportunities. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 12:diagnostics12010079. [PMID: 35054246 PMCID: PMC8774636 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has recently experienced a revival in diagnostics and research. However, little progress has been made regarding CSF cell analysis. For almost a century, CSF cell count and cytomorphological examination have been central diagnostic parameters, with CSF pleocytosis as a hallmark finding of neuroinflammation and cytology offering valuable clues regarding infectious, autoimmune, and malignant aetiologies. A great deal of information, however, remains unattended as modern immune phenotyping technologies have not yet been broadly incorporated into routine CSF analysis. This is a serious deficit considering the central role of CSF cells as effectors in central nervous system (CNS) immune defence and autoimmune CNS processes, and the diagnostic challenges posed by clinically overlapping infectious and immune-mediated CNS diseases. Here, we summarize historical, specimen-intrinsic, methodological, and technical issues determining the state-of-the-art diagnostics of CSF cells and outline future perspectives for this underutilized window into meningeal and CNS immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Otto
- Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.O.); (C.H.); (G.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Christine Harrer
- Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.O.); (C.H.); (G.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Georg Pilz
- Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.O.); (C.H.); (G.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Peter Wipfler
- Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.O.); (C.H.); (G.P.); (P.W.)
| | - Andrea Harrer
- Department of Neurology, Paracelsus Medical University, Christian-Doppler-Klinik, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.O.); (C.H.); (G.P.); (P.W.)
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Paracelsus Medical University, Landeskrankenhaus, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Q, Fu N, Han Y, Qin J. Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis and Its Relationship With Infection. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 120:27-32. [PMID: 33964702 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an increasingly recognized inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system and is most often characterized by antibodies against intracellular and neuronal surface antigens. AE is a devastating disease that may result in developmental delay or regression in children. However, the pathogenesis of AE is not clear, and immune system disorders after infection likely play an important role in AE. Many studies have reported that patients with herpes simplex virus encephalitis develop anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis after antiviral treatment. It is critical to recognize pediatric AE early and to distinguish it from infectious forms because AE is treatable and responsive to immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss the clinical features of pediatric AE and focus on the relationship between AE and postinfection status. In addition, we review the probable mechanisms underlying infection-triggered AE, which include molecular mimicry, bystander activation, epitope spreading, immune system disorder, and genetic susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinrui Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Na Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Jiong Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rajendram P, Torbic H, Duggal A, Campbell J, Hovden M, Dhawan V, Pastores SM, Gutierrez C. Critically ill patients with severe immune checkpoint inhibitor related neurotoxicity: A multi-center case series. J Crit Care 2021; 65:126-132. [PMID: 34139658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Serious immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related neurotoxicity is rare. There is limited data on the specifics of care and outcomes of patients with severe neurological immune related adverse events (NirAEs) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study of patients with severe NirAEs admitted to the ICU at 3 academic centers between January 2016 and December 2018. Clinical data collected included ICI exposure, type of NirAE (central [CNS] or peripheral nervous system [PNS) disorders), and patient outcomes including neurological recovery and mortality. RESULTS Seventeen patients developed severe NirAEs. Eight patients presented with PNS disorders; 6 with myasthenia gravis (MG), 1 had a combination of MG and polyneuropathy and 1 had Guillain-Barre syndrome. Nine patients had CNS disorders (6 seizures and 5 had concomitant encephalopathy. During ICU admission, 65% of patients required mechanical ventilation, 35% vasopressors, and 18% renal replacement therapy. The median ICU and hospital length of stay were 7 (2-36) and 18 (4-80) days, respectively. Hospital mortality was 29%. At hospital discharge, 18% of patients made a full neurologic recovery, 41% partial recovery, and 12% did not recover. CONCLUSION Severe NirAEs while uncommon, can be serious or even life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabalini Rajendram
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Heather Torbic
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Abhijit Duggal
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Jeannee Campbell
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael Hovden
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Vikram Dhawan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Pastores
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Cristina Gutierrez
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Der-Nigoghossian C, Tesoro EP, Strein M, Brophy GM. Principles of Pharmacotherapy of Seizures and Status Epilepticus. Semin Neurol 2020; 40:681-695. [PMID: 33176370 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Status epilepticus is a neurological emergency with an outcome that is highly associated with the initial pharmacotherapy management that must be administered in a timely fashion. Beyond first-line therapy of status epilepticus, treatment is not guided by robust evidence. Optimal pharmacotherapy selection for individual patients is essential in the management of seizures and status epilepticus with careful evaluation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors. With the addition of newer antiseizure agents to the market, understanding their role in the management of status epilepticus is critical. Etiology-guided therapy should be considered in certain patients with drug-induced seizures, alcohol withdrawal, or autoimmune encephalitis. Some patient populations warrant special consideration, such as pediatric, pregnant, elderly, and the critically ill. Seizure prophylaxis is indicated in select patients with acute neurological injury and should be limited to the acute postinjury period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Der-Nigoghossian
- Department of Pharmacy, Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Eljim P Tesoro
- Department of Pharmacy Practice (MC 886), College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Micheal Strein
- Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Gretchen M Brophy
- Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Matthews E, Diaz-Arias LA, Beekmann SE, Polgreen P, Waldrop G, Yang V, Rimmer K, Venkatesan A, Thakur KT. Prevalence and Characteristics of Neuroinfectious Disease Inquiries Within the Emerging Infections Network: A 22-Year Retrospective Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa163. [PMID: 32550236 PMCID: PMC7292246 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To monitor emerging infectious diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Infectious Disease Society of America established the Emerging Infections Network (EIN), allowing infectious disease specialists to post inquiries about clinical cases. We describe the frequency and characteristics of neuroinfectious disease-related inquiries. Methods The EIN listserv was retrospectively reviewed from February 1997 to December 2019 using search terms associated with neurologic diseases. We recorded case summaries, disease type (ie, meningitis, encephalitis), inquiry type (diagnostic approach, result interpretation, management decisions), unique patient populations, exposures, pathogens, ultimate diagnosis, and change in clinical care based on responses. Results Of 2348 total inquiries, 285 (12.1%) related to neuroinfectious diseases. The majority involved meningitis (99, 34.7%) or encephalitis (56, 19.6%). One hundred fifteen inquiries (40%) related to management, 34 (12%) related to diagnostic workup, and 22 (8%) related to result interpretation. Eight (2.8%) specifically involved results of cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction testing. Sixty-three (22.1%) involved immunosuppressed patients (29 human immunodeficiency virus-positive cases [46%]). The most common pathogens were Treponema pallidum (19, 6.7%) and Cryptococcus neoformans (18, 6.3%). In 74 (25%) inquiries, patients had neurologic symptoms without a clear infection, 38 (51.3%) of which included noninfectious neurologic etiologies in the differential diagnosis. Conclusions This study demonstrates the significant challenges of diagnosis and management of neuroinfectious diseases within the field of infectious diseases. It also highlights the importance of curated forums to guide the approach of difficult cases, in particular instances that mimic infectious diseases. Finally, the EIN listserv may assist in identifying areas for research and training to address these complexities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Matthews
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Luisa A Diaz-Arias
- Johns Hopkins Encephalitis Center, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan E Beekmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Philip Polgreen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Greer Waldrop
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vivian Yang
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn Rimmer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Arun Venkatesan
- Johns Hopkins Encephalitis Center, Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Diseases, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kiran T Thakur
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Singer J, Sachdev P, Mohan A. Understanding the tests that we order: screening for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in first episode psychosis. Australas Psychiatry 2020; 28:199-201. [PMID: 32106697 DOI: 10.1177/1039856220905299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current guidelines recommend screening all patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This paper explores the pitfalls of this strategy. CONCLUSION Screening for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in patients with FEP when the pre-test probability based on the clinical presentation is low creates a risk of false positive results. Testing based on clinical suspicion would be preferable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Singer
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| | - Perminder Sachdev
- University of New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| | - Adith Mohan
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Balkhair A, Al Wahaibi A, Raniga S, Al Amin M, Ba Alawi F, El-Tigani M, Kumar S. Relapse of herpes simplex encephalitis in a patient with metastatic small cell lung cancer following scalp sparing whole brain radiotherapy. IDCases 2019; 18:e00626. [PMID: 31528539 PMCID: PMC6739592 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2019.e00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus is the most common cause of severe and potentially fatal sporadic encephalitis worldwide. Recurrence of neurologic symptoms after resolution of the initial episode of HSV encephalitis and despite adequate treatment with intravenous acyclovir is well recognized albeit rare. Most of these recurrences had no evidence of replicating virus and are immune in nature with only a minority of these recurrences representing true virologic relapses. Immunocompromised patients are predominantly at greater risk for virologic relapse of HSV encephalitis with potentially severe and at times fatal consequences. We describe a patient with small cell lung cancer and brain metastasis who underwent chemotherapy, treatment with dexamethasone and whole brain radiotherapy who subsequently suffered two episodes of HSV encephalitis three months and seven months after completion of radiotherapy and while on dexamethasone treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Balkhair
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - A Al Wahaibi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - S Raniga
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - M Al Amin
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - F Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology andImmunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - M El-Tigani
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| | - S Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Oncology Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
| |
Collapse
|