Background: Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) can cause a central nervous system infection in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients. This report describes a case of longitudinal myelitis due to HHV-7.
Case Report: A 56-year-old male presented with lower extremity weakness and the inability to walk, difficulty urinating, and numbness in lower chest region. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensity in the spinal cord below the T4 level in a T2 sequence. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed HHV-7. The clinical diagnosis was longitudinal myelitis and a positive PCR test confirmed acute viral longitudinal myelitis due to HHV-7. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and ganciclovir was initiated. After a program of rehabilitation therapy, the patient demonstrated partial recovery at a 9-month follow-up assessment.
Conclusion: Acute transverse myelitis due HHV-7 has been reported, but clinicians should be aware that, while rare, longi-tudinal myelitis can also occur, even in an immunocompetent patient.