Elsberg syndrome in HSV-2 infection

Elsberg syndrome (ES) is a neuroinflammatory disease that causes acute or subacute lumbosacral radiculitis, with or without myelitis which accounts for approximately 5–10% of cauda equina syndrome and myelitis. We herein present a case of a middle-aged female who recently returned from the Dominican Republic and presented to the emergency room with complaints of a 10-day history of progressive lower extremity sensory changes and weakness preceded by transient bilateral arm pain and neck and head pressure. Based on clinical, radiographic, and serological testing the patient was diagnosed with HSV2 lumbosacral radiculitis (ES). After 21 days of Acyclovir, 5 days of high dose IV methylprednisolone, and one month of inpatient rehab, our patient was discharged home walking with a cane. As ES is poorly defined and rarely reported, it can be unrecognized in patients with acute cauda equina syndrome (CES). Appropriate testing for viral infection in a timely manner facilitates reaching a definitive diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment, which is essential for resolution of symptoms.