Fatal Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis in a 12-year-old child: an underappreciated neurological complication?

Background A 12-year-old boy presented to a community hospital with fever, malaise and fatigue. A polymerase chain reaction test of the cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Epstein-Barr virus. Despite intensive care treatment and antiviral drugs, the patient died 1 month after his initial presentation. Investigations Physical examination, polymerase chain reaction analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, brain MRI, immunohistochemistry and molecular biological investigations of postmortem brain samples. Diagnosis Epstein-Barr Virus encephalitis. Management Aciclovir, intensive care treatment with intubation, sedation, antiepileptic drugs.