Human herpes virus-6 encephalitis after bone marrow transplantation: successful treatment with ganciclovir

Bone Marrow Transplant. 1997 Nov;20(10):905-6. doi: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1700988.

Abstract

Here we report a case that presented with sudden onset of neurological symptoms and was treated with ganciclovir. Polymerase chain reaction analysis for human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) from his cerebrospinal fluid was later found to be positive. He subsequently recovered with minimal residual neurological symptoms. Encephalitis secondary to this virus may be more common than previously thought in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden onset neurological symptoms after bone marrow transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Encephalitis, Viral / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis, Viral / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis, Viral / etiology*
  • Ganciclovir / therapeutic use*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Herpesviridae Infections / etiology*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / complications*
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / therapy
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Ganciclovir
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • CHOP protocol