A case of herpes simplex encephalitis revealed by decompressive craniectomy

• DOI: 10.1007/s00431-007-0566-0
• Publication Date: 2007-10-02T13:33:14Z
• Authors: N. Bayram; D. Yilmaz Ciftdogan; B. Karapinar; E. Ozgiray; M. Polat; E. Cagliyan; F. Vardar
• Keywords: Decompressive craniectomy; Midline shift; Convulsion; Viral encephalitis

A 15-year-old girl was referred to our hospital due to fever, headache, and vomiting of 7 days duration and focal motor convulsion at the day of referral. Her clinical signs and cerebral imaging findings were found to be compatible with herpes simplex encephalitis. In spite of prompt acyclovir administration, her consciousness deteriorated gradually. Emergent cranial magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a shift of midline intracranial structures. Decompressive surgery resulted in partial improvement in the shift of midline intracranial structures and potentially saved the patient's life. This case report stresses the importance of proper management of increased intracranial pressure in patients with herpes simplex encephalitis.