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LaCrosse viral encephalitis mimics herpes simplex viral encephalitis
D K Sokol1, M B Kleiman, B P Garg
1Department of Neurology, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5200, USA.
Pediatric Neurology
|December 18, 2001
Summary
LaCrosse virus encephalitis can cause temporal lobe abnormalities, mimicking herpes simplex virus encephalitis in children. Early diagnosis using PCR improves prognosis and avoids unnecessary treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) is a common cause of viral encephalitis with characteristic temporal lobe abnormalities.
- Differentiating HSVE from other forms of viral encephalitis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of encephalitis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal signal intensity in the bilateral frontotemporal regions.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) showed left-sided periodic lateralizing epileptiform discharges (PLEDs).
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with LaCrosse virus encephalitis.
- The observed temporal lobe lesions and PLEDs mimicked those typically seen in HSVE.
- LaCrosse virus encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for temporal lobe lesions and PLEDs.
Implications:
- LaCrosse virus encephalitis diagnosis requires considering temporal lobe structural and electrographic abnormalities.
- Rapid diagnosis via LaCrosse RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cerebrospinal fluid is now available.
- Accurate diagnosis can prevent unnecessary treatment with acyclovir and improve patient prognosis.