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. 2012 Nov 20;79(21):2125-32.
doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182752ceb. Epub 2012 Nov 7.

Atypical manifestations and poor outcome of herpes simplex encephalitis in the immunocompromised

Ik L Tan  1 , Justin C McArthur, Arun Venkatesan, Avindra Nath
Affiliations

Atypical manifestations and poor outcome of herpes simplex encephalitis in the immunocompromised

Ik L Tan et al. Neurology. .

Abstract

Objective: To characterize clinical features, neuroimaging, and outcomes of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in immunocompromised individuals.

Methods: We performed a retrospective case control review of patients diagnosed with HSE. Adult patients were dichotomized into immunocompromised (n = 14) and immunocompetent groups (n = 15).

Results: Fewer immunocompromised patients presented with prodromal symptoms and focal deficits. While the majority of CSF profiles in the immunocompromised patients were mononuclear cells predominant, 3 had polymorphonuclear predominance and another 3 had normal profiles. MRI showed widespread cortical involvement, with brainstem or cerebellar involvement in some. Two immunocompromised patients had recurrent HSE. The immunosuppressed state was associated with a decrease in Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPSS) score of 23.1 (p = 0.018). Every 1-day delay in initiation of acyclovir was associated with a decrease in KPSS of 10.2 (p = 0.002), and every 10 cell/mm(3) increase of CSF leukocytosis was associated with an increase in KPSS of 0.7 (p = 0.009). Mortality rate was 6 times higher in the immunocompromised patients.

Conclusions: Immunocompromised states may predispose to HSE with atypical clinical and neuroradiologic features. Immunocompromised individuals with HSE have significantly worse outcomes and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with improved outcome. The findings are particularly important in light of the increasing use of potent immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies.

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Figures

Figure
Figure. MRI findings in patients with herpes simplex encephalitis
(A) High signal intensity lesions are seen in both temporal lobes involving the (I) insular cortices and (II) hippocampi on T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, with (III) gadolinium contrast enhancement in the temporal lobes and basal frontal lobes in an immunocompetent patient. (B) (I) High signal intensity lesions on T2 FLAIR sequences in the cortical gyri in an immunocompromised patient (arrows). (II) T1-weighted image without contrast and (III) with contrast does not show any evidence of contrast enhancement in the lesions.
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