| Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis caused by Epstein-Barr virus infection in an immunocompetent adult woman |
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Hyunjoo Oh, Jeong Rae Yoo, SangTaek Heo, Jung-Hwan Oh, Ho Kyu Lee |
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Jeju National University School of Medicine |
Correspondence:
SangTaek Heo, Email: neosangtaek@naver.com
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| Abstract |
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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is common and usually asymptomatic in young infants and children. However, EBV infections in transplant recipients and other immunosuppressed patients can be fatal. EBV-related neurological complications in immunocompetent adults are extremely rare and self-limited. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) may also follow EBV infection; ADEM is characterized by abrupt onset and rapid progression. We report an immunocompetent adult patient who developed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with ADEM-like features caused by EBV infection. A 35-year-old Vietnamese woman was admitted presenting with urinary retention, altered mental status, and paraplegia. PCR of the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid showed positive results for EBV. Brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging showed ADEM-like features. She was treated with acyclovir, steroid, and immunoglobulins. We report the case of an immunocompetent adult Vietnamese woman who presented with rapidly progressive diffuse meningoencephalitis associated with EBV infection and was treated with antivirals, corticosteroids, and immunoglobulins. |
| Key Words:
Acute, disseminated, encephalomyelitis, Epstein-Barr, virus |
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