J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1997 Oct;15(5):1173-1183.

Herpes zoster meningoencephalitis with decreased CSF glucose level-A case report and review of literatures

• Choi BC
• Chung WH
• Kim JW
• Chung KH
• Cho PZ
• Kang H
• Son SJ

Abstract

We report a case of decreased cerebrospinal fluid glucose with lymphocytic pleocytoisis in a patient with herpes zoster meningoencephalitis. The finding was likely to be confused with that of tuberculous meningoencephalitis. The concentration of CSF glucose is a critical point in the differential diagosis of various causes of nervous system infection. Although the herpes zoster meningoencephalitis isa well recognized, cases with markedly low, level of CSF glucose has been rare. We reviewed such unusual cases in the literature that were accompanied by hypoglycorrhachia. The duration of hypoglycorrhachia was transient. This suggests a differential point from that of tuberculous meningitis.

MeSH Terms

Cerebrospinal Fluid
Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster*
Glucose*
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Meningoencephalitis
Nervous System
Tuberculosis, Meningeal
Glucose