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Encephalitis and myocarditis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: role of coxsackievirus B5?

Mary Moschovi1, Panagiota Sterpi, Sotiris Youroukos

  • 11st Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece.

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|April 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A 7-year-old boy with leukemia experienced coxsackievirus B5 infection, causing encephalitis and myocarditis. Despite being immunocompromised, he recovered fully with supportive care, showing excellent long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Enteroviruses are leading causes of viral encephalitis in children and myocarditis.
  • Immunocompromised status, such as in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, increases mortality risk from enteroviral infections.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission developed fever, seizures, and altered consciousness.
  • The patient was diagnosed with coxsackievirus B5-associated encephalitis and myocarditis 22 months post-chemotherapy initiation.

Findings:

  • The boy received only supportive treatment for his coxsackievirus B5 infection.
  • He demonstrated an excellent clinical outcome, with complete remission maintained.
  • Two years post-infection, he exhibited normal electroencephalogram and cardiac function.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for favorable outcomes even in immunocompromised children with severe enteroviral infections.
  • Supportive care can be effective in managing coxsackievirus B5-associated encephalitis and myocarditis.
  • Early recognition and management are crucial for improving prognosis in pediatric viral encephalitis and myocarditis.

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