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Subacute herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis: a case report
Maria Lypiridou1, Konstantinos Kalafatakis2, Kyriaki Astara1
1Department of Neurology, 417 Army Share Fund Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Encephalitis (Seoul, Korea)
|July 10, 2025
Summary
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a severe brain infection. This case highlights a rare subacute presentation, emphasizing the need for prompt diagnosis and acyclovir treatment to prevent fatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a critical brain infection with high mortality if untreated.
- HSE typically affects the medial temporal lobe, presenting with headache, fever, and altered mental status.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of HSE with a subacute progression.
- The patient presented with syncope and bradycardia, with HSE symptoms developing gradually after admission.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed by imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and positive PCR for herpes simplex virus-1.
- The insidious onset of symptoms delayed crucial acyclovir treatment.
Implications:
- Subacute HSE presentations can be challenging to diagnose promptly.
- Early suspicion and immediate acyclovir administration are vital for improving HSE patient outcomes.
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