Postinfectious immune-mediated brainstem encephalitis associated with herpes simplex virus infection

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tabarki, Brahim | Kamel, Areej | Anjum, Sher Bahadur | Ezeldin, Kamel | Amin, Adnan

Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Al-Hada Military Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Department of Radiology, Al-Hada Military Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Note: [] Correspondence: Brahim Tabarki, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Al-Hada Military Hospital, PO Box 1347, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel.: +966 27541610; Fax: +966 27542076; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Postinfectious immune-mediated brainstem encephalitis associated with herpes simplex virus infection is believed to be rare. We report a seven-year-old previously healthy boy who developed brainstem encephalitis with excellent response to acyclovir and methylprednisolone, after herpetic gingivostomatitis. No relapse was noted during a 24-month follow-up period.

Keywords: Herpes simplex virus type 1, brainstem encephalitis, immune-mediated process, steroid therapy

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 207-209, 2006