Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Granulocytic sarcoma mimicking HSV encephalitis
Reena S Shah1, Robert K Shin, Rudy J Castellani
1Departments of Neurology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Introduction:
Granulocytic sarcomas, or chloromas, are extramedullary collections of immature granulocytes. Central nervous system involvement is rare and of those cases described, most are complications of acute myelogenous leukemia.
Case Report:
A 40-year-old man with chronic myelogenous leukemia presented with seizure and encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed temporal T2 hyperintensities with gyriform cortical enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid showed mild pleocytosis and elevated protein. Electroencephalography demonstrated periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges. Acyclovir was initiated for herpes simplex encephalitis, however, follow-up MRI showed extension of the lesion. MR spectroscopy suggested tumor, confirmed by brain biopsy. Postradiation MRI showed a significant decrease in lesion size.
Conclusion:
Granulocytic sarcoma can present as intraparenchymal cerebral lesions in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and may mimic herpes simplex encephalitis.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Herpes
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
