Virus-Induced Voracity: Uncovering Hyperphagia Post-Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurovirology

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a primary cause of fatal sporadic encephalitis.
• Encephalitis commonly presents with fever, headache, seizures, and neurological deficits, often affecting temporal lobes.
• Hyperphagia is an uncommon complication of HSV encephalitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of HSV-1 encephalitis presenting with isolated hyperphagia.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing hyperphagia as a potential complication of HSV encephalitis.
• To discuss management challenges and the need for timely intervention.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 25-year-old woman diagnosed with HSV-1 encephalitis.
• Clinical presentation, neuroimaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were performed.
• Treatment with intravenous acyclovir was initiated, and patient outcomes were monitored.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms of encephalitis and confirmed HSV-1 infection via CSF PCR.
• Despite treatment, the patient developed hyperphagia during hospitalization, a rare isolated complication.
• Follow-up revealed significant weight gain and partial improvement in hyperphagia.

Conclusions:

• Acute onset hyperphagia can manifest as an isolated complication of HSV encephalitis.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of HSV encephalitis are vital to mitigate severe sequelae.
• Management of hyperphagia post-encephalitis presents challenges, necessitating tailored therapeutic strategies.