[Brain stem encephalitis due to herpes simplex].
Brainstem encephalitis is an unusual infection caused by a variety of agents, among them the herpes simplex (HS) virus. The difficulty of establishing a diagnosis by neurophysiological and radiological examination is greater in this type of encephalitis than in the usual form produced by HS. We describe a fatal case of brainstem encephalitis. Inflammatory and necrotic lesions in the pous and medulla confirmed the clinical diagnosis, while the etiology was determined by immuno-histo-chemical techniques and viral culture of the cerebral parenchyma. Early diagnosis of this form of encephalitis, based on new virological techniques, allows more effective antiviral treatment.
Ayuso Blanco
T
T
Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza.
Giménez Mas
J A
JA
Omeñaca Teres
M
M
Campello Morer
I
I
Marta Moreno
M E
ME
Martínez Lanao
D
D
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000276:immunology*; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017628:Microglia / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008875:Middle Aged; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000212:Acyclovir
Encefalitis de troncoencéfalo por herpes simple.