Herpes simplex encephalitis: treatment with surgical decompression and cytosine arabinoside.

Abstract

Herpes simplex encephalitis in a 21-year-old man presented as a flu-like illness, followed by inappropriate behaviour, drowsiness and focal neurologic signs. Investigations indicated a lesion in the right temporal lobe. The diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of the virus from a cerebral biopsy. Pronounced clinical improvement was noted when cytosine arabinoside therapy was started in the postoperative period. This report supports the observation by some authors that cytosine arabinoside may be of value in the treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis.

• Authors: R K Laha, F W Saunders, W S Huestis
• Journal: Canadian Medical Association journal (Can Med Assoc J) Vol. 115 Issue 3 Pg. 236-7 (Aug 07 1976) ISSN: 0008-4409 [Print] Canada
• PMID: 953885 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytarabine

Topics

• Adult
• Craniotomy
• Cytarabine (therapeutic use)
• Encephalitis (drug therapy, surgery, therapy)
• Herpes Simplex (drug therapy, therapy)
• Humans
• Intracranial Pressure
• Male