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Detection of human herpesvirus 7 DNA from the CSF in association with neurosarcoidosis
Author(s) -
Martikainen Mika H.,
Grönroos Juha O.,
Vuorinen Tytti
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.23683
Subject(s) - sarcoidosis , neurosarcoidosis , cerebrospinal fluid , pathology , medicine , pleocytosis , papilledema , context (archaeology) , immunology , biology , radiology , paleontology
This study reports a previously healthy, immunocompetent adult male in whom human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7) DNA was detected continuously from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This patient developed definite sarcoidosis with primary symptomatic manifestations in the central nervous system (CNS). The initial presentation was with loss of visual acuity and papilledema. Brain MR imaging at presentation confirmed papilledema, but otherwise there were no focal abnormalities or signs of hydrocephalus. CSF investigation revealed pleocytosis and elevated protein levels. HHV‐7 DNA was detected repeatedly from CSF but not from blood over 1 year follow‐up. High resolution computed tomography of lungs was normal. Positron emission tomography showed several metabolically active lymph nodes in the mediastinum, and the histopathological investigation revealed granulomatous inflammation consistent with sarcoidosis. The finding of HHV‐7 DNA in the CSF in the context of neurosarcoidosis has not been reported previously. The detection of HHV‐7 DNA may result from the selective activation of CD4+ T‐lymphocytes in the CSF caused by neurosarcoidosis. Further studies are needed to establish whether the detection of HHV‐7 DNA in the CSF in association with neurosarcoidosis represents a clinically significant HHV‐7 CNS infection. J Med. Virol. 85:1935–1939, 2013 . © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.