Pitfalls in the management of herpes simplex virus encephalitis

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Oct 12:2012:bcr2012007081. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007081.

Abstract

We report a case of Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis (HSVE) with a fatal outcome of a patient in his 70s presenting to a local teaching hospital with fever and confusion. We highlight pertinent issues regarding diagnosis, investigation and management, and consider ways of improving clinical outcomes. Finally, we discuss the differential diagnoses of acute encephalitis and review the management of HSVE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Confusion / etiology
  • DNA, Viral / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / drug therapy*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Fever / etiology
  • Glucose / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Physical Examination

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Blood Glucose
  • DNA, Viral
  • Glucose