Acute hydrocephalus secondary to herpes simplex type II meningitis.
A 34-year-old woman presented with a rapid onset of meningitic symptoms. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a lumbar puncture revealed a leucocytosis with a preponderance of monocytes, elevated protein and reduced glucose. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type II was subsequently confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of CSF. The patient's level of consciousness deteriorated and a CT scan revealed hydrocephalus. The patient required placement of an external ventricular drain for 5 days; however, she made a full recovery without specific antiviral therapy. This is the first reported case of hydrocephalus secondary to isolated HSV type II meningitis.
Heppner
Peter A
PA
Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Grafton Road, Auckland, New Zealand. peterheppner@hotmail.com
Schweder
Patrick M
PM
Monteith
Stephen J
SJ
Law
Andrew J J
AJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014696:Ventriculostomy / Q000295:instrumentation