Herpes simplex virus type 2 myelitis mimicking ICU-acquired weakness as a complication of meningococcal meningitis: A case report

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a well-known cause of neurological complications. This case study describes the first reported case of reactivated HSV-2 myelitis, which was induced by immunosuppression due to sepsis. During the treatment of meningococcal meningitis, the patient developed quadriparesis and was later diagnosed as HSV-2 myelitis, mimicking ICU-acquired weakness. The case emphasizes the importance of excluding viral myelitis before making the diagnosis of ICU-acquired weakness.

Keywords

• HSV-2 myelitis
• ICU-acquired weakness
• Sepsis
• Immunosuppression