1983 Volume 57 Issue 7 Pages 630-637
Two autopsy cases of fulminating herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis confirmed by immunofluorescent and electron microscopic examinations of autopsied brain tissue were reported.
Case 1, a 26-year-old female with complaints of fever, coma and involuntary movement was admitted to our hospital. In the serum and CSF taken at the 11th day after onset, HSV antibody measured by ELISA system indicated significant value. CT findigns of brain showed mass effect of the right side, linear and ring-like enhancement. Autopsy revealed a pathological feature of acute necrotizing encephalitis. From the autopsy specimens HSV antigen and particles were observed by fluorescent antibody technique and electron microscopic examination, respectively.
Case 2, a 24-year-old female with complaints of plain of the face and eye ball, coma and epilepsy was admitted to our hospital. In the serum and CSF taken at the 26th day after onset, HSV antibody measured by ELISA was considered to be diagnostic value, and CT findings of brain showed linear enhancement. At autopsy diagnosis of HSV encephalitis was confirmed by fluorescent antibody method, although histological changes were slight.
Possibility of clinical diagnosis in the early stage, especially the usefulness of CT scan and antibody measurement by ELISA system were discussed.
