Type 2 herpes simplex reactivation after craniocervical decompression for hind brain hernia and associated syrinx

Abstract

Herpes virus reactivation is a well-known phenomenon rarely described in neurosurgery. We report a case of type 2 herpes simplex virus reactivation following neurosurgery of the posterior fossa. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis of over 200 × 10⁶/l. Viral reactivation should be considered in patients with fever, meningism and extended hospital admission following neurosurgical procedures.

Key words:

• HSV-2
• craniocervical
• decompression
• chiari
• syringomyelia