Publication Title
Front Oncol
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2019
Keywords
GBM; acyclovir; antiviral; encephalitis; glioblastoma; glioma; herpes simplex encephalitis; viral encephalitis
Abstract
Viral encephalitis and glioblastoma are both relatively rare conditions with poor prognoses. While the clinical and radiographic presentations of these diseases are often distinctly different, viral encephalitis can sometimes masquerade as glioblastoma. Rarely, glioblastoma can also be misdiagnosed as viral encephalitis. In some cases where a high-grade glioma was initially diagnosed as viral encephalitis, antiviral administration has proven effective for relieving early symptoms. We present three cases in which patients presented with symptoms and radiographic findings suggestive of viral encephalitis and experienced dramatic clinical improvement following treatment with acyclovir, only to later be diagnosed with glioblastoma in the region of suspected encephalitis and ultimately succumb to tumor progression.
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Area of Special Interest
Cancer
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
Specialty/Research Institute
Oncology
