Definition:
Lymphedema choriomeningitis - or, more accurately, lymphocytic choriomeningitis - pertains to an infectious disease caused by a rodent-borne virus. Alternative names for this disorder are: lymphocytic meningoencephalitis, benign lymphocytic meningitis, la Maladie d'Armstrong, or serous lymphocytic meningitis.
Diagnosis:
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis may be diagnosed based on typical and atypical clinical features.
Treatment:
Based on extent and severity, some symptoms of lymphocytic choriomeningitis - particularly encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, and meningoencephalitis - require the patient to be hospitalized and given supportive treatment. Treatment may also involve anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, along with ribavirin to target the infection.
Symptoms and Signs:
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis typically manifests with neurological symptoms, including: aseptic meningitis or inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord; inflammation of both the brain and meninges (or meningoencephalitis); as well as encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. If affecting pregnant women, the infection may cause mental retardation, chorioretinitis, and congenital hydrocephalus in the infant. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is very rarely fatal.
Causes:
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is caused by an infectious virus known as the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) of the family Arenaviridae. House mice, rats and other rodents are natural reservoirs of the virus. Human transmission is usually through exposure to contaminated droppings, urine, or saliva.
:
lymphedemachoriomeningitis
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