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[Acute cerebellitis caused by Epstein-Barr virus: case report]
H A Teive1, J A Zavala, F M Iwamoto
1Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brasil. hagteive@mps.com.br
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|October 6, 2001
Summary
Acute cerebellitis, a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, can manifest with neurological symptoms. This case highlights EBV-associated neurological findings without classic infectious mononucleosis signs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Acute cerebellitis is an uncommon neurological condition.
- It is typically associated with various infectious agents.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a rare cause of acute cerebellitis.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old woman presented with a 12-day history of nausea, vomiting, and gait ataxia.
- Neurological examination revealed limb ataxia, myoclonus, head and limb tremors, and opsoclonus.
- A cutaneous rash was also noted during the clinical presentation.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-EBV IgG and IgM antibodies against the viral capsid.
- Anti-EBV antibodies against the virus-associated nuclear antigen were also positive.
- These serological findings indicated an active Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores that Epstein-Barr virus can cause acute cerebellitis.
- Neurological manifestations of EBV infection may occur independently of classic infectious mononucleosis symptoms.
- Awareness of this association is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of EBV-related neurological complications.