Abstract.
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) is associated with a high mortality rate and a high probability of neurological sequelae. Good results are obtained when HSVE is promptly diagnosed and treated with acyclovir. We present a 71-year-old woman with clinically diagnosed HSVE, confirmed by PCR detection of HSV-1 DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid. She was treated with acyclovir (30 mg/kg day) for two weeks. Clinical and neuropsychological assessments 6 months after admission were normal; however MRI at 2, 6 and 12 months showed progressive deterioration with extensive white matter and cortical damage. Imaging studies of a cohort of patients surviving PCR-confirmed HSVE are needed to determine whether this pattern is occasional or a frequent form of progression.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gaviani, P., Leone, M., Mula, M. et al. Progression of MRI abnormalities in herpes simplex encephalitis despite clinical improvement: natural history or disease progression?. Neurol Sci 25, 104–107 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-004-0240-5
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-004-0240-5