Open AccessEpstein-Barr Virus-Associated Encephalopathy Presenting with Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in an Immunosuppressive State
Author(s) -
Ohya Yuichiro,
Nakamura Kuniyuki,
Wakisaka Yoshinobu,
Sato Hiroaki,
Wakisaka Kayo,
Kumamoto Masaya,
Muraya Yohei,
Kuroda Junya,
Nakane Hiroshi,
Yoshimoto Goichi,
Kitazono Takanari,
Ago Tetsuro
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
case reports in neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.207
H-Index - 15
ISSN - 1662-680X
DOI - 10.1159/000507976
Subject(s) - single case – general neurology
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is occasionally accompanied by central nervous system (CNS) complications, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. However, the symptoms and clinical features of EBV infection in the CNS are rather heterogeneous and remain unknown. We herein describe the first reported adult case manifesting nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), possibly associated with reactivation of EBV in an immunosuppressive state. A 63-year-old man with a history of acute myeloid leukemia and taking immunosuppressants was admitted due to progressively impaired consciousness without any focal neurological signs, including paralysis or convulsions. Arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) and brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography showed hyperperfusion in the right temporal region, despite no morphological abnormalities in other MRI sequences. White blood cell counts, EBV viral load, and virus-capsid antigen IgG in cerebrospinal fluid were elevated. We diagnosed him with EBV-associated encephalopathy presenting with NCSE. Administration of levetiracetam, an antiepileptic, improved the consciousness and the abnormal hyperperfusion. This case suggests a new concept of EBV-associated encephalopathy leading to epilepsy, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.