Hepatitis E-induced severe myositis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in Asian and African countries but is rarely reported in Western countries. Although there are some prominent neurological manifestations, HEV is rarely recognized by neurologists.

METHODS:

This is a case report of myositis induced by HEV.

RESULTS:

We report the life-threatening case of a 57-year-old man with flaccid tetraparesis due to myositis, acute hepatitis, and renal failure caused by HEV infection. Muscle biopsy revealed scattered myofiber necrosis with a diffuse, mild lymphomonocytic infiltrate in the endomysium and perimysium. Because the patient suffered from an acute HEV infection with a rapidly progressive course of severe myopathy, we started ribavirin treatment. He recovered partially within 3 weeks and recovered fully within 6 months.

CONCLUSION:

This case highlights a neurological manifestation of endemic HEV infection with severe myositis in a patient with alcoholic chronic liver disease. Ribavirin treatment is effective in severe HEV infection and may also lead to rapid neurological recovery.

• Authors: Annerose M Mengel, Werner Stenzel, Andreas Meisel, Carsten Büning
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 53 Issue 2 Pg. 317-20 (Feb 2016) ISSN: 1097-4598 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26514272 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Electromyography
• Hepatitis E (complications)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (pathology)
• Myositis (diagnosis, etiology, virology)