Herpes Simplex Encephalitis Complicated by Cerebral Hemorrhage during Acyclovir Therapy

Intern Med. 2017;56(2):225-229. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.56.7386. Epub 2017 Jan 15.

Abstract

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can be complicated by adverse events in the acute phase. We herein present the case of a 71-year-old woman with HSE complicated by cerebral hemorrhage. She presented with acute deterioration of consciousness and fever and was diagnosed with HSE based on the detection of herpes simplex virus-1 in the cerebrospinal fluid by a polymerase chain reaction. The cerebral hemorrhage developed during acyclovir therapy; however, its diagnosis was delayed for 2 days. After the conservative treatment of the cerebral hemorrhage, the patient made a near-complete recovery. Cerebral hemorrhage should be considered as an acute-phase complication of HSE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / administration & dosage
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / complications
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / complications
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Acyclovir