Brain-stem encephalitis caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
A case of brain-stem encephalitis with strong serologic evidence of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection is described. Recovery was rapid without treatment, but mild neurologic sequelae were seen at 6-month follow-up. Epstein-Barr virus infection in childhood may be asymptomatic and heterophil antibody negative. Encephalitis is an unusual but well-recognized complication of Epstein-Barr virus infection, but localized brain-stem involvement, to our knowledge, has not been previously described.
Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, Australia.
K
K
North
L
L
de Silva
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P
Procopis
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination
D000914:Antibodies, Viral