Cytomegalovirus is polyradiculoneuropathy in an immunocompetent patient: case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is caused by CMV and when manifested clinically produces mild symptoms in immunocompetent individuals. Complications during the course of infection are usually related to situations of immunodeficiency. The aim of this study was to report a rare case of CMV polyradiculoneuropathy in previously healthy teen ager with no relation to immunodeficiency. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 13 years old, immunocompetent,presented the initial headache, fever, myalgia and arthralgia, myalgia progressing with complaints of neck, numbness of hands and feet,and muscle weakness that impair ambulation. Electromyography showed signs compatible with neurogenic myopathy, suggesting a picture of demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. CMV serology was performed, confirming the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The cytomegalovirus' polyradiculoneuropathy not associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or other immunodeficiency's is an expected complication but rare infection by this virus does not require any specific treatment as the neurological involvement is self-limited. The strict clinical monitoring is necessary, since it is an entity of unforeseeable change, dependent on the immune response of each host.