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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2014; 12(04): 217-219
DOI: 10.3233/JPN-140666
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Severe, life-threatening Epstein-Barr Virus encephalitis in an immunocompetent adolescent girl

Valentina Dell’Orto
a   Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale Lugano, Switzerland
,
Enos Bernasconi
b   Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Regionale Lugano, Switzerland
,
Valdo Pezzoli
a   Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale Lugano, Switzerland
,
Sara Queirolo
a   Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Regionale Lugano, Switzerland
,
Gian Paolo Ramelli
c   Department of Pediatrics, Neuropediatrics Unit, Ospedale San Giovanni, Bellinzona, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
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Further Information

Publication History

19 January 2014

16 June 2014

Publication Date:
30 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

A 14-year-old girl diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus encephalitis with generalized status epilepticus and cardiac arrest. The pathogenic role of Epstein-Barr Virus was identified by a polymerase chain reaction analysis of the patient's cerebrospinal fluid. Cranial computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormalities. After being admitted to the intensive care unit, the patient exhibited progressive improvement until complete recovery from the disease. Despite the severity of the disease, the patient did not experience long-term sequelae.

Keywords

Epstein-Barr Virus - encephalitis - status epilepticus