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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis
Published on: December 5, 2020
[Epstein-Barr virus-associated subacute sensorimotor neuropathy with multiple cerebellar microbleeding: a case
Mayumi Furuya1, Satoru Oji1, Kohei Sugimoto1
1Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University.
Abstract:
We report the case of an 82-year-old male with subacute sensorimotor neuropathy associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, who presented with diplopia followed by gait disturbance due to limb weakness. Pathological findings of a biopsied cervical lymph node showed a high frequency of EBV-positive cells. EBV-DNA was detected in blood. A nerve conduction study suggested a mixture of axonal damage and demyelination. Brain MRI showed multiple microbleeds in cerebellar cortices, but cerebrospinal fluid EBV-PCR was negative, suggesting bleeding due to EBV-related vasculitis. Corticosteroid therapy improved the neurological symptoms and the patient was able to walk independently four months later. The main pathogenesis of the neuropathy in this case is likely to be a mixture of vasculitic neuropathy and immune-mediated demyelinating neuropathy, which are considered to be due to EBV reactivation.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation can cause subacute sensorimotor neuropathy, presenting as limb weakness and visual disturbances. This case highlights EBV-associated vasculitis and demyelinating neuropathy, successfully treated with corticosteroids.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Subacute sensorimotor neuropathy can be associated with various infections.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Neurological complications of EBV reactivation are rare but can be severe.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old male presented with diplopia and gait disturbance due to limb weakness.
- Cervical lymph node biopsy revealed numerous EBV-positive cells, and EBV-DNA was detected in blood.
- Nerve conduction studies indicated mixed axonal damage and demyelination.
Findings:
- Brain MRI showed cerebellar microbleeds, suggesting EBV-related vasculitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid EBV-PCR was negative.
- The patient's neuropathy likely resulted from a combination of vasculitic and immune-mediated demyelinating processes.
Implications:
- This case highlights EBV reactivation as a potential cause of complex neurological syndromes.
- Early diagnosis and corticosteroid therapy can lead to significant recovery in EBV-associated neuropathies.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of EBV-related neurological disorders is crucial for effective management.
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