Brainstem infarction associated with HHV-6 infection in an infant

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2017
Source:Brain and Development
Author(s): Aya Wada, Kazuhiro Muramatsu, Yasuo Sunaga, Takahisa Mizuno, Mariko Takei, Satoshi Ogasawara, Miho Uchida, Kiwako Tsukida, Masahiko Tashiro
IntroductionThe relevant literature includes several case reports on cerebral infarction in children with HHV-6 infection; however, there is no report of brain stem infarction.CaseAn 11-month-old girl was hospitalized because of fever. She was unable to stand up and meet her mother's gaze. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a right pons and mid-brain lesion; a diagnosis of brainstem infarction was made. After her fever subsided, a rash developed on her trunk and limbs; blood examination results indicated a primary HHV-6 infection. She was treated with aspirin, edaravone, and mannitol to prevent further complications. At the age of 18months, the auditory brainstem response (ABR) was unremarkable and she is developing well.Discussion and conclusionA limited number of studies have reported HHV-6 infection-associated infarction, and no cases of brainstem infarction have been reported. One possible cause of cerebral infarction is antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) triggered by the infection. HHV-6 may also directly infect vascular endothelial cells and cause angiopathy. However, the real mechanism of infarction remains unclear. Our patient had a favorable prognosis despite brainstem infarction.



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