Herpes simplex encephalitis after craniopharyngioma surgery.
A 13-year-old girl exhibited rapid deterioration in mental status 15 days after surgery for craniopharyngioma. Serial CT scanning detected progression of a low-density lesion on the left frontotemporal lobe. The serum level of C-reactive protein was elevated and polymerase chain reaction identified herpes simplex virus DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. Antiviral therapy with high-dose acyclovir (10 mg/kg 3 times daily) was begun. She recovered and could speak short sentences, but dysphasia and right hemiparesis remained. Early diagnosis and active treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis is essential for improving prognosis and saving lives.
Kwon
Ji-Woong
JW
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Cho
Byung-Kyu
BK
Kim
Eui Chong
EC
Wang
Kyu-Chang
KC
Kim
Seung-Ki
SK
D000293:Adolescent; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000601:surgery*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D020803:Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications
D000998:Antiviral Agents