Key result
A 49-year-old immunocompetent man with human parechovirus encephalitis experienced immediate resolution of headache and fever following dexamethasone treatment, with a slow overall recovery.
Why the study?
Human parechovirus is a rare cause of severe disease in immunocompetent adults, prompting a report and literature review to raise awareness.
Case Report (n=1)
This case report highlights that Human parechovirus can be a rare cause of subacute encephalitis in immunocompetent adults, which may require corticosteroid therapy and result in a slow recovery.
Consider HPeV in unexplained adult myocarditis; leaves open need for prospective prevalence studies.
Human parechovirus (HPeV) has been identified as the cause of epidemic myalgia in adult patients and as the etiology in severe syndromes, such as myocarditis, pericarditis and encephalitis in children and immunocompromised individuals. The present study describes the case of an immunocompetent adult patient with HPeV. The case‑report was written following CARE guidelines. The present study also provides a brief review of the relevant literature in an aim to raise awareness against HPeV as a rare cause of severe disease in immunocompetent adults. HPeV is a rare cause of disease in immunocompetent adults and can cause permanent sequelae. Care givers and medical professional usually aim for a rapid (7‑14 days) and full recovery. The elderly and individuals with comorbidities in whom the normal functioning of the immune system is altered, such as in those with diabetes and alcohol abuse, should be aware they are at a higher risk for a negative prognosis.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Scirè et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Human parechovirus encephalitis (n=1). Dexamethasone was evaluated on Symptom resolution. A 49-year-old immunocompetent man with human parechovirus encephalitis experienced immediate resolution of headache and fever following dexamethasone treatment, with a slow overall recovery.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: