title: Herpes simplex type 1 encephalitis restricted to the brainstem in a pediatric patient.
abstract: Herpes simplex encephalitis is a potentially fatal infection of central nervous system that typically involves frontal and temporal lobes. Occasionally, it presents an extratemporal involvement and in rarer cases, it is limited to the brainstem. We describe a case of an adolescent who presented with fever, sore throat, and vertigo. Clinical picture evolved to lethargy, tetraparesis, consciousness impairment, and respiratory failure. MRI showed lesions restricted to the brainstem. PCR of CSF was positive for herpes simplex type 1.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 720, 04023-900, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana Harumi
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Arita
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Mirella Maccarini
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Peruchi
authors.forename: Marcelo Masruha
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Luiz Celso Pereira
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Vilanova