Acute polyradiculoneuropathy associated with human Herpes Virus 7 in an immunocompetent patient. Case report

Human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7) is a cause of encephalitis, meningitis and myeloradiculoneuropathy in adults who are immunocompetent or with immunosuppression. The involvement of the peripheral nervous system is always associated with myelitis. We report a case of acute polyradiculoneuropathy due to HHV-7, without involvement of central nervous system, in an immunocompetent patient. A 35-years-old man complained of lumbar pain radiating to both buttocks. On examination muscle strength and tendon reflexes were normal. He had asymmetric pinprick and light touch saddle hypoesthesia and also in the perineal region, dorsum and lateral aspect of the left foot. Magnetic resonance imaging showed mild thickening and contrast enhancement of cauda equina nerve roots. Polymerase chain reaction performed on cerebrospinal fluid was positive for HVV-7. Other inflammatory, infectious and neoplastic etiologies were ruled out. Lumbar pain and hypoesthesia improved progressively and neurological examination was normal after one month. He did not receive antiviral therapy.