[Generalized brain edema in non-purulent meningoencephalitis. The anti-edema effect of therapy with dexamethasone].

Abstract

We report about two female inpatients aged 58 and 24, suffering from non-purulent meningoencephalitis, in the first case caused by varizella-zoster-virus, in the second case probably due to viral infection. Both patients developed a diffuse brain edema associated with a progressive loss of consciousness. The adjunctive treatment with dexamethasone led to rapid improvement of clinical symptoms. Computed tomography revealed a significant reduction of brain edema. These results of these two cases support the efficacy of corticosteroids as adjunctive treatment of diffuse brain edema caused by non-purulent meningoencephalitis. The pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.

• Authors: J B Sommer, J G Heckmann, J Kraus, B Neundörfer, F J Erbguth
• Journal: Der Nervenarzt (Nervenarzt) Vol. 71 Issue 2 Pg. 112-5 (Feb 2000) ISSN: 0028-2804 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Generalisiertes Hirnödem bei nicht eitriger Meningoenzephalitis. Antiödematöser Effekt einer Therapie mit Dexamethason.
• PMID: 10703012 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Brain (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Brain Edema (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Chickenpox (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Dexamethasone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Encephalitis, Viral (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Female
• Herpesvirus 3, Human
• Humans
• Meningoencephalitis (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome