Cerebral Vasculitis as a Severe Complication of Acute Infectious Meningoencephalitis: A Case Series of Five Different Pathogens
November 2025
in “
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift
”
Studysummary This study reports a case of fatal HHV-6 encephalitis and vasculitis in a previously healthy 49-year-old male, highlighting the occurrence of this condition even in individuals without typical risk factors, such as immunocompromised status.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case series highlights the occurrence of infectious cerebral vasculitis as a severe complication of acute infectious meningoencephalitis, regardless of the pathogen involved. Typical risk factors include an immunocompromised state, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and age-related vascular changes, but it can also occur unexpectedly. Infarcts may develop weeks after the infection, and antibiotic resistance should be considered, particularly with Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Notably, this report is the first to document fatal HHV-6 encephalitis and vasculitis in a previously healthy 49-year-old male treated with oral steroids for alopecia areata, without a history of organ or stem cell transplantation.
