Diagnosing herpes simplex-1 encephalitis at the time of COVID-19 pandemic
Carlo Lovati1, Maurizio Osio1, Leonardo Pantoni2,3
1Neurology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy.
Abstract
Case Report:
We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman who was diagnosed with herpes simplex virus-1 encephalitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The diagnosis was somehow delayed because relatives were initially cautious in bringing the patient to the hospital and, here, the work-up focus was on coronavirusrelated aspects as the patient was initially reputed to be infected with COVID-19.
Conclusions:
During the current viral outbreak, physicians should not neglect the possibility of other diseases that represent neurological emergencies and require immediate recognition and treatment.
