A case of Epstein-Barr virus infection complicated with Guillain-Barré syndrome involving several cranial nerves.
This report presents a case of infectious mononucleosis with severe neurological complications in a previously healthy young female. Both peripheral and cranial nerves were affected causing paralysis and need for assisted ventilation. There was a clear correlation between the symptoms and the serological findings, indicating that the causative agent was Epstein-Barr virus. The patient was treated with acyclovir, methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins. Two months later she had recovered completely. Epstein-Barr virus infection must be considered among the possible causes in patients with cranial nerve affection or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Højberg
Lise
L
Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. lisehoejberg@hotmail.com
Søndergård
Eva
E
Pedersen
Court
C
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000212:Acyclovir; D008775:Methylprednisolone