[Herpes simplex encephalitis. A case report with support of the diagnosis by means of brain biopsy]

The pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and therapeutic problems of herpes simplex encephalitis are discussed. Early diagosis of herpes simplex as a leading, and possibly the sole, cause of acute necrotizing encephalitis is crucial to effective management. Decompressive craniotomy in the presence of fulminating cerebral swelling associated with acute onset of the disease is of value as an adjuvant to definitive therapy with antiviral agents.