Atypical Presentation of Elsberg Syndrome Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection

Abstract

Elsberg syndrome is a rare disease of lumbosacral myeloradiculitis, mostly caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It frequently has concomitant myelitis, and immunocompromised patients can be fatal with ascending myelitis. Since anti-viral agents might lead to good recovery, clinicians need to be suspicious for conditions of cauda equina syndrome. Detection of viral DNA from cerebrospinal fluid ensures the diagnosis. We report a case of Elsberg syndrome caused by HSV-2 and are to delineate the clinical and radiologic spectrum.