AN UNUSUAL CASE OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS PNEUMONIA WITH NECROTIC AND CAVITARY CHANGES

초록

HSV pneumonitis cannot be diagnosed based on imaging alone; evidence of viral cytopathic effect on cytologic and/or histopathologic specimens with confirmation of HSV infection via culture, PCR, or immunohistochemical staining is required. Detection of histological hallmarks of HSV infection, such as multinucleated cells with ground glass intranuclear changes and Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusion bodies, is specific for true lower respiratory tract infections rather than a carrier state, especially in critically ill patients. In this case, we could confirm HSV pneumonia by typical endobronchial lesions, histopathologic findings, immunohistochemical staining, and overall improvement on follow-up chest CT with acyclovir therapy.