Fatal Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis in a 12-year-old child: an underappreciated neurological complication?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A 12-year-old boy presented to a community hospital with fever, malaise and fatigue. A polymerase chain reaction test of the cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Epstein-Barr virus. Despite intensive care treatment and antiviral drugs, the patient died 1 month after his initial presentation. INVESTIGATIONS Physical examination, polymerase chain reaction analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, brain MRI, immunohistochemistry and molecular biological investigations of postmortem brain samples. DIAGNOSIS Epstein-Barr Virus encephalitis. MANAGEMENT Aciclovir, intensive care treatment with intubation, sedation, antiepileptic drugs.