Fatal underhanded chronic enterovirus infection associated with anti-CD20 monotherapy for central nervous system demyelinating disease

Mult Scler. 2021 Feb;27(2):320-323. doi: 10.1177/1352458520923978. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Abstract

We report a fatal case of coxsackievirus B4 chronic infection in a 30-year-old woman with a diagnosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorder controlled by rituximab monotherapy for 3 years. Initially presenting as self-limited meningitis, the infection remained silent for 8 months before the sudden onset of fulminant myocarditis. Analysis of the complete genome showed that the same virus was responsible for both episodes.

Keywords: Enterovirus; multiple sclerosis; myocarditis; neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; rituximab.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies
  • Central Nervous System
  • Enterovirus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Enterovirus*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein
  • Neuromyelitis Optica*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein