A case of human herpesvirus 6 encephalitis following pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: early diagnosis and treatment matters
- 11 June 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in International Journal of Hematology
- Vol. 112 (5), 751-754
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-020-02905-x
Abstract
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is one of the life-threatening infectious complications with significant morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Clinically, the diagnosis of HHV-6 encephalitis can be challenging due to a lack of specific symptoms and definitive diagnostic tests. We report a pediatric HSCT recipient who developed late-onset HHV-6 encephalitis without typical radiographic findings. The routine viral infection monitoring protocol contributed to the prompt diagnosis of HHV-6 encephalitis and early therapeutic intervention. The patient was treated successfully without any neurological complications attributable to HHV-6 encephalitis. HHV-6 encephalitis should remain in the differential diagnosis as an important but treatable disease, even for several months after HSCT and even without radiographic findings. Whenever HHV-6 encephalitis is suspected, antivirals should be initiated promptly to prevent its complications.Keywords
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