Epstein-Barr virus meningoencephalitis with a lymphoma-like response in animmunocompetent host

Authors
Schellinger, PD Sommer, C Leithauser, F Schwab, S Storch-Hagenlocher, B Hacke, W Kiessling, M
Citation
Pd. Schellinger et al., Epstein-Barr virus meningoencephalitis with a lymphoma-like response in animmunocompetent host, ANN NEUROL, 45(5), 1999, pp. 659-662
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Neurology,"Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
ISSN journal
03645134 → ACNP
Volume
45
Issue
5
Year of publication
1999
Pages
659 - 662
Database
ISI
SICI code
0364-5134(199905)45:5<659:EVMWAL>2.0.ZU;2-O
Abstract
We report the clinical and neuropathological findings in an immunocompetent 19-year-old patient with a fatal acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) meningoenc ephalitis and a lymphoma-like B-lymphocyte response. Our results suggest th at an immunotoxic rather than direct viral neuronal invasion mediates brain damage in EBV encephalitis and rule out primary central nervous system lym phoma (PCNSL) in our patient. We discuss immunosuppression as a therapeutic option, because present strategies mainly consist of symptomatic therapy d ue to unclear pathogenesis and nonavailability of effective antiviral agent s.