Neuropediatrics 1987; 18(1): 3-7
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1052425
ORIGINAL ARTICLES

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Relapse of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

M. A. Barthez1 , C.  Billard1 , J. J. Santini1 , M. M. Ruchoux2 , M. C. Grangeponte2
  • 1Unité de Neurologie-Neuro-chirurgie Infantile, Hôpital Clocheville, Tours 37000 France
  • 2Departement de Neuropathologie Hôpital Bretonneau et Service d'Anatomopathologie Hôpital Trousseau, Tours 37000 France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

This report describes a child with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis who improved dramatically while being treated with acyclovir but subsequently had neurological deterioration and died.

A severe necrotizing process was present in the brain at autopsy but there were no focal areas of demyelination and poor inflammatory response. HSV was not cultured from brain biopsy during relapse or autopsy.

Fourteen previous cases of relapsing herpes encephalitis are reviewed and treatment regime and mechanisms of relapse are discussed.