Volume 5, Issue 3 (Summer 2024)
J Vessel Circ 2024, 5(3): 0-0 |
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Rezvan S, Fallahian A, Salamroudi S, Rezvan F, Atarod M H, Alshavi Z. A Case Report of herpes encephalitis and COVID-19. J Vessel Circ 2024; 5 (3)
URL: http://jvessels.muq.ac.ir/article-1-299-en.html
URL: http://jvessels.muq.ac.ir/article-1-299-en.html
Sajad Rezvan1 
, Amirali Fallahian2 , Shadi Salamroudi * 3, Fatemeh Rezvan4 , Mohammad Hosein Atarod5 , Zeinab Alshavi6
, Amirali Fallahian2 , Shadi Salamroudi * 3, Fatemeh Rezvan4 , Mohammad Hosein Atarod5 , Zeinab Alshavi6
1- Assistant Professor of Radiology, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences
2- General practitioner, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
3- School of medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Psychology expert, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
5- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
6- Neurology Resident, Faculty of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
2- General practitioner, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
3- School of medicine, Tehran University of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- Psychology expert, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
5- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
6- Neurology Resident, Faculty of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Abstract: (20 Views)
Introduction: The co-occurrence of herpes simplex encephalitis and COVID-19 presents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This article reports a rare case of this dual infection and highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
Case Report: A 40-year-old woman with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency department with fever, headache, and two episodes of tonic-clonic seizures. Investigations revealed hypoxemia (SpO₂=89%) and CT/MRI findings consistent with herpes encephalitis (bilateral temporal and frontal lobe lesions). A positive PCR test and pulmonary imaging confirmed concurrent COVID-19. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir, phenytoin, and supplemental oxygen led to complete clinical recovery within 72 hours.
Discussion: This case highlights three key points: the necessity of considering non-COVID etiologies for acute neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients, the potential increased risk of HSV reactivation due to COVID-19-induced immune suppression or physiological stress, and the critical importance of empirical antiviral therapy before laboratory confirmation in suspected cases.
Conclusion: Herpes simplex encephalitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients, particularly those presenting with seizures and altered consciousness. Rapid diagnostic evaluation and early treatment initiation can significantly improve clinical outcomes.
Case Report: A 40-year-old woman with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency department with fever, headache, and two episodes of tonic-clonic seizures. Investigations revealed hypoxemia (SpO₂=89%) and CT/MRI findings consistent with herpes encephalitis (bilateral temporal and frontal lobe lesions). A positive PCR test and pulmonary imaging confirmed concurrent COVID-19. Treatment with intravenous acyclovir, phenytoin, and supplemental oxygen led to complete clinical recovery within 72 hours.
Discussion: This case highlights three key points: the necessity of considering non-COVID etiologies for acute neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients, the potential increased risk of HSV reactivation due to COVID-19-induced immune suppression or physiological stress, and the critical importance of empirical antiviral therapy before laboratory confirmation in suspected cases.
Conclusion: Herpes simplex encephalitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients, particularly those presenting with seizures and altered consciousness. Rapid diagnostic evaluation and early treatment initiation can significantly improve clinical outcomes.
Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
vascular neurological diseases
Received: 2025/02/19 | Accepted: 2025/04/9 | Published: 2024/12/31
Received: 2025/02/19 | Accepted: 2025/04/9 | Published: 2024/12/31
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