Early intracerebral hemorrhage as an atypical presentation of herpes simplex-1 virus encephalitis

Abstract

Herpes simplex encephalitis is the most common cause of sporadic lethal encephalitis in the world. Intracerebral hemorrhage is an uncommon complication. The case of a 3-year-old preschooler who was admitted with acute encephalitis clinical picture is described. The patient presents findings of early intracerebral hemorrhage in the occipital region and a positive cerebrospinal fluid study for herpes virus type 1, which is treated with acyclovir; however, it presents a torpid evolution, increased intracerebral hemorrhages and fatal outcome.