Post-Epstein-Barr Virus Acute Cerebellitis in an Adult

Am J Case Rep. 2020 Jan 6:21:e918567. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.918567.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acute cerebellitis in adults is a rare disease. The etiology is unknown but postulated to be due to primary infection or para-infection. Different presentations have been reported, which complicates the diagnosis process. CASE REPORT We report the case of a young man who presented with headache, vomiting, and vertigo. He was found to have ataxia and cerebellar signs, bradycardia magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed acute cerebellitis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies showed lymphocytosis. Further investigations showed the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG. His symptoms resolved completely with corticosteroid and antiviral treatments. CONCLUSIONS Acute cerebellitis can present in various ways. Bradycardia, along with neurological deficits, should raise the suspicion of acute cerebellitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ataxia / drug therapy
  • Bradycardia / drug therapy
  • Ceftriaxone / therapeutic use
  • Cerebellar Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / virology
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Lymphocytosis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Male
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Acyclovir