Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
04:23

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Probable chronic viral encephalitis with microglial nodules in the entire brain: a case report with necropsy

Toshihiro Imaizumi1, Shinya Nishizaka, Mitsuyoshi Ayabe

  • 1First Department (Neurology) of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan.

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|May 6, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reports a rare case of chronic viral encephalitis in an immunocompromised patient. Despite extensive testing, the specific viral cause remained unidentified, highlighting diagnostic challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic encephalitis is a rare neurological condition with unclear viral etiology.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology of chronic encephalitis is crucial for both healthy and immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old immunocompromised woman with multiple myeloma presented with chronic encephalitis.
  • Symptoms included fever, progressive dementia, thalamic lesions, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities.
  • Post-mortem examination revealed diffuse microglial nodules throughout the brain.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed prolonged pleocytosis, normal glucose, and elevated interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma.
  • Extensive polymerase chain reaction and serological tests failed to identify a specific viral agent.
  • The patient's condition was presumed to be chronic viral encephalitis based on clinical and CSF findings.

Implications:

  • Microglial nodules are characteristic of certain viral encephalitides and infections in immunocompromised hosts.
  • This case underscores the diagnostic difficulties in identifying the cause of rare chronic encephalitides.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of such rare encephalitis is warranted.

More Related Videos

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Rabies01:28

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...