title: Recovery from a possible cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis-induced apparent brain stem death in an immunocompetent man: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recovery from cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis with brain stem death in an immunocompetent patient is almost impossible. We present a remarkable recovery from a possible cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompetent man who had severe neurological syndromes, suggesting brain stem death complicated by pneumonia and pleural effusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 19-year-old Asian man presented at our hospital's emergency department with reduced consciousness and seizures following high fever, headache, confusion, and vomitus within a week before arrival. He was intubated and sent to our intensive care unit. He had nuchal rigidity and tetraparesis with accentuated tendon reflexes. Electroencephalography findings suggested an acute structural lesion at his right temporal area or an epileptic state. A cerebral spinal fluid examination suggested viral infection. A computed tomography scan was normal at the early stage of disease. Immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin G anti-herpes simplex virus, and immunoglobulin M anti-cytomegalovirus were negative. However, immunoglobulin G anti-cytomegalovirus was positive, which supported a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis. His clinical condition deteriorated, spontaneous respiration disappeared, cranial reflexes became negative, and brain stem death was suspected. Therapy included antivirals, corticosteroids, antibiotics, anticonvulsant, antipyretics, antifungal agents, and a vasopressor to maintain hemodynamic stability. After 1 month, he showed a vague response to painful stimuli at his supraorbital nerve and respiration started to appear the following week. After pneumonia and pleural effusion were resolved, he was weaned from the ventilator and moved from the intensive care unit on day 90.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case highlights several important issues that should be considered. First, the diagnosis of brain stem death must be confirmed with caution even if there are negative results of brain stem death test for a long period. Second, cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis even for an immunocompetent adult. Third, accurate therapy and simultaneous intensive care have very important roles in the recovery process of patients with cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis.
authors: Anesthesiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, Indonesia. theresiarahardjo@gmail.com.
authors: Theresia Monica
authors: TM
authors: Rahardjo
authors: Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia.
authors: Tinni Trihartini
authors: TT
authors: Maskoen
authors: Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia.
authors: Ike Sri
authors: IS
authors: Redjeki
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058633:Antipyretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D058633:Antipyretics; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents
keywords: Brain stem death; Cytomegalovirus; Immunocompetent; Meningoencephalitis