In vivo detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the brain in a case of encephalitis: evidence for HCV neuroinvasion.
Eur J Neurol
; 15(3): 214-8, 2008 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18215154
ABSTRACT
We report here a 27-year-old woman who presented with encephalitis of unknown origin. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed leukoencephalopathy, cerebrospinal fluid showed signs of inflammation. Serum and brain biopsy tissue was tested positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Neuropathological investigation supported the hypothesis of viral encephalitis. C3, C4 and cryoglobulins as well as cerebral MR-angiography were normal. Neurological complications of HCV infection other than hepatic encephalopathy are generally attributed to parainfectious phenomena. This is the first case of HCV-RNA detection in vivo in human brain in literature and it raises the possibility that HCV is able to induce encephalitis caused by neurotrophism. This is supported by the fact that there is a growing body of literature on HCV-induced cerebral dysfunction and laboratory findings indicating HCV neuroinvasion.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Encéfalo
/
RNA
/
Hepacivirus
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Encefalite
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
Limite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Neurol
Assunto da revista:
NEUROLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha