Brainstem encephalitis resulting from Epstein-Barr virus mimicking an infiltrating tumor in a child.
A case of a child with subacute neurologic features and imaging findings consistent with a brainstem encephalitis that was discovered to be related to a primary central nervous system infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus is presented. A brainstem tumor was initially suspected, but a correct diagnosis was formulated on the basis of the favorable clinical course and the detection of positive Epstein-Barr virus serology. In contrast to a prompt recovery of neurologic signs the neuroimaging alterations persisted for a longer time. The present report emphasizes the possible role of Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of infectious neurologic disorders in childhood, underlining the unusual presentation of a brainstem encephalitis, and considers the discrepancy between the course of neurologic features and the evolution of imaging alterations.
Angelini
L
L
Department of Neuropediatrics, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico, Milan, Italy.
Bugiani
M
M
Zibordi
F
F
Cinque
P
P
Bizzi
A
A
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D002531:Cerebellum; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous
D000914:Antibodies, Viral