Encephalitis and myocarditis in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: role of coxsackievirus B5?

Enteroviruses are common causes of viral encephalitis in childhood and the most common cause of myocarditis. The prognosis is good with exception of the immunocompromised children who are at higher risk with increased mortality. A case of a 7-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and coxsackievirus B5-associated encephalitis and myocarditis is described. The boy was in complete remission and coxsackievirus B5 infection occurred 22 months after the beginning of chemotherapy. The clinical manifestations were fever, seizures, and altered consciousness. He underwent only supportive treatment. He had an excellent outcome; 2 years later he is still in complete remission with normal electroencephalogram and normal cardiac function.