Human Herpes Virus 6 Encephalitis Presenting as Fatal Refractory Status Epilepticus: a Case Report and Systematic Review.

Purpose: Encephalitis secondary to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection is frequently encountered in immunocompromised patients; in contrast, HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompetent patients is rare. There are only 3 reports of status epilepticus due to HHV-6 encephalitis in immunocompetent adults. In the present study, a case of refractory status epilepticus secondary to HHV-6 encephalitis was reported in an immunocompetent female.

Case report: We report a case of a previously healthy 46-year-old female who presented with a one-week history of back pain, fever and generalized tonic-clonic seizures that progressed to status epilepticus. The video electroencephalography showed epileptiform discharges on both frontotemporal regions. Neuroimaging showed hyperintensities on the bilateral insula and temporal lobes. The cerebrospinal fluid showed elevated pressure and was positive for HHV-6. She was given ganciclovir and a total of eleven antiepileptic drugs. Despite these medications, she developed refractory status epilepticus and eventually succumbed due to multiple medical complications.

Conclusion: This case highlights HHV-6 encephalitis as an important diagnostic consideration in patients presenting with refractory status epilepticus, regardless of immune status.