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Decompressive Craniectomy With Abdominal Bone Flap Preservation in Herpes Simplex Encephalitis: A Case Report
Elizabeth Blanco Espinosa1,2, Idalberto Luis Fernandez Eng3, Idania Maria Cruzata Matos4
1General Practice, CEDA Orthopedic Group, Miami, USA.
Cureus
|November 25, 2025
Summary
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can cause dangerous brain swelling. A pediatric decompressive hemicraniectomy effectively controlled intracranial pressure, leading to favorable neurological recovery and successful cranial reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric critical care
Background:
- Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a severe neurological condition with significant morbidity and mortality.
- While acyclovir improves outcomes, complications like temporal lobe edema and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) may necessitate surgical intervention.
- Refractory ICP in pediatric HSE poses a life-threatening challenge.
Keywords:
acyclovir therapyautologous bone flap abdominal bone storagecranial reconstructiondecompressive craniectomyherpes simplex encephalitis (hse)intracranial hypertensionpediatric neurosurgeryrefractory intracranial pressuresevere viral encephalitisuncal herniationMore Related Videos
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