title: Coma as a presenting sign of Epstein-Barr encephalitis.
abstract: Among the many different manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, neurologic disturbances are less frequently observed, and they are diverse in nature. A young woman was admitted with acute hyperthermia, mydriasis, nystagmus, respiratory insufficiency, muscular hypertonia, evolving to decerebrate posturing, and bilateral facial epileptic contractions. The appearance of atypical blood lymphocytes, hepatitis, migrating skin rash, positive heterophile antibody tests, and specific serologic tests for EBV led to a diagnosis of EBV encephalitis. Under treatment with intravenously administered acyclovir, the patient recuperated almost completely. This case illustrates a less frequent manifestation of EBV infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intensive Care, University of Antwerp UIA, University Hospital, Belgium.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Demey
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Leus
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Moeremans
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Bossaert
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology*; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D007244:Infectious Mononucleosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000212:Acyclovir