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Epstein-Barr virus causing encephalitis in an elderly woman.
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Martinez, CA 94553.
Southern Medical Journal
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Infectious mononucleosis, typically seen in young adults, is increasingly diagnosed in older individuals. This case highlights a rare instance of Epstein-Barr virus-induced encephalitis in an elderly patient who experienced a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults.
- Neurologic complications of infectious mononucleosis are infrequent, with encephalitis being a rare occurrence.
- The incidence of infectious mononucleosis and its complications in the elderly population is not well-documented.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old woman presented with symptoms indicative of acute encephalitis.
- The patient was diagnosed with acute Epstein-Barr virus infection.
- This case represents a rare manifestation of EBV infection in an elderly individual.
Findings:
- The patient experienced severe acute encephalitis attributed to Epstein-Barr virus.
- Despite the critical neurological condition, the patient demonstrated a complete recovery.
- The case underscores the potential for severe EBV-related neurological disease in older adults.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of Epstein-Barr virus tropism and its potential to cause severe neurological disease in the elderly.
- Highlights the importance of considering EBV as a potential etiology for encephalitis in older patients.
- Suggests that prompt diagnosis and management may lead to favorable outcomes even in severe cases of EBV encephalitis in the geriatric population.