Human herpesvirus 6 meningoencephalitis successfully treated with ganciclovir in a patient who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling

Int J Hematol. 2002 May;75(4):421-5. doi: 10.1007/BF02982136.

Abstract

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) has recently been recognized as an important pathogen in immunocompromised hosts, such as patients who have undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). Here we report a case of HHV-6 meningoencephalitis in a patient who underwent allo-BMT from an HLA-identical sibling. The patient suffered from headache, high fever, tremor, and disorientation on day 35 after allo-BMT. Findings at magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination suggested the presence of viral meningoencephalitis. We diagnosed HHV-6 meningoencephalitis by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of a CSF specimen. Successful treatment was achieved with ganciclovir. Because HHV-6 encephalitis has a potentially fatal and fulminant course, it is necessary that HHV-6 encephalitis be recognized as one of the central nervous system complications that can follow allo-BMT. PCR analysis for HHV-6 in the CSF specimen is necessary for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / immunology
  • Ganciclovir / administration & dosage*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / drug therapy*
  • Meningoencephalitis / etiology
  • Meningoencephalitis / virology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy
  • Roseolovirus Infections / etiology
  • Roseolovirus Infections / pathology
  • Transplantation, Isogeneic / adverse effects

Substances

  • Ganciclovir