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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2022; 20(02): 145-147
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740398
Case Report

Encephalitis, a Rare Manifestation of Human Herpesvirus 7 Infection

Rita Guilherme Vilhena Pires de Melo Parente 
1   Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
,
Tânia Cristina Pessoa
1   Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
,
Paula Cristina Afonso Moita
1   Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
,
Sandra Cristina Campos dos Santos
1   Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
,
Ana Cristina Didelet Pereira
1   Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
,
Sofia Vidal Castro
1   Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) infection typically occurs in childhood and is frequently asymptomatic. Some clinical manifestations include fever and exanthem subitum. There have been rare reports of invasion of HHV-7 into the central nervous system. Here we report a case of encephalitis associated with HHV-7. A 16-year-old girl patient presented with headache, vomiting, disorientation, and psychomotor agitation. Glasgow Coma Scale on arrival was 9. Cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for HHV-7. Electroencephalogram showed intermittent slowing and rare sharp waves in the left frontal region. She recovered well after appropriate treatment for encephalitis.

This case added to the few existing reports of encephalitis due to HHV-7. Physicians should be aware of this rare neurological manifestation of HHV-7 for prompt management. Similar cases should be reported to further our knowledge about this virus and its role in neurological disease.

Keywords

human herpesvirus 7 - encephalitis - healthy teenager - case report


Publication History

Received: 03 August 2021

Accepted: 09 November 2021

Article published online:
07 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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