Emerging shadows: HHV-8-associated encephalitis unveiled in a solid organ transplant recipient.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2024

Abstract

Human herpesviruses (HHVs) cause a wide variety of central nervous system (CNS) infections including meningitis and encephalitis. While HHV-8 is not typically associated with neurological diseases, several studies have indicated a relationship, such as secondary central nervous system (CNS) metastases and a few isolated cases of HHV-8 encephalitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV). However, it has not been previously linked to encephalitis in solid organ transplantation (SOT). This case presents the first-ever instance of HHV-8 encephalitis in a SOT recipient. Our case highlights the association of HHV-8-related diseases, such as post-transplant Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), with encephalitis. The patient was diagnosed with KS before developing neurological symptoms and received a prompt clinical response through intravenous foscarnet and ganciclovir treatment for 14 days. It is important to note that HHV-8 is a rare cause of encephalitis, and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in the appropriate clinical context, allowing for the use of antiviral therapy. This case also underscores the importance of considering the possibility of HHV-8-related diseases in SOT recipients, as they are at risk of developing such infections.

Volume

26

Issue

4

First Page

14343

Last Page

14343

ISSN

1399-3062

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

39012412

Department(s)

Department of Medicine

Document Type

Article

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