Primary herpes virus infection and ischemic stroke in childhood: a new association?

Abstract

We describe, to our knowledge, the first case of arterial ischemic stroke after primary herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) infection in a previously healthy child, without signs of encephalitis. A 10-year-old previously healthy girl was admitted to our hospital with acute left-sided hemiparesis which involved the lower half of her face. Submandibular lymphadenitis and oral vesicular lesions were present. MRI confirmed the suspicion of an acute ischemic stroke. Immunoglobulin M antibodies to HSV1 were detected. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction for herpes virus was negative. She was treated with aspirin (3mg/kg) and intravenous acyclovir (10mg/kg every 8 hours) for 21 days. Immunoglobulin G antibodies to HSV1 appeared 16 days after admission. Twelve months after her hospitalization the patient's examination was normal. Stroke should be considered a possible complication of HSV1 primary infection. Guidelines for the management of acute stroke in children are needed.

Keywords: Acyclovir; Children; Herpes virus; Infection; Stroke; Therapy; Vascular narrowing.