one more easy but confusing question.... - norwalk

[ArchivalUser]

what is the diagnostic test for herpes simplex encephalitis ??

1. csf examination
2. pcr
3. ct scan
4. brian biopsy
5. mri

[ArchivalUser]

really a confusing question..is it brain biopsy??

[ArchivalUser]

2. PCR of CSF preparation to look for presence of HSP virus.

[ArchivalUser]

PCR is 98% sen and >95% specific.

it replaces Brain BX.

why to punch someones head and take a piece of tissue when you find same thing without invasive procedure.

[ArchivalUser]

-- i donot want to go deep to this ---

but

pcr is diagnostic

csf examination in nontraumatic brain is herpes start acyclovir without wasting time


mri can show involvement of temporal region

biopsy shows specific result --but not needed initially

mri is better than ct


better than discussing here knowing what is diagnostic it is better to know here like what are these test saying? --

otherwise we may land in discussion in this question more than necessary---


the question is very good but let us not linger here more ---

[ArchivalUser]

pcr and brain biopsy both are right........i would like to go with PCR but kaplan notes says even though PCR is diagnostic..........FOR BOARD PURPOSE we have to choose BRAIN BIOPSY !?!?!?

[ArchivalUser]

kaplan says PCR replaces the need of Bx ..
if both in choices choose PCR.

ref kaplan ..inf dz,under encephalitis..dignosis

[ArchivalUser]

you are right att..........i was refering neurology section.........so in same book both section contradict each other........but now i am clear for choice............its PCR /////// THANKS EVERYBODY.

[ArchivalUser]

now i know...pcr..

[ArchivalUser]

pcr is like culture --proof of organism and biopsy is also proof of organism and its effect/

since csf is a clean area/ pcr from csf source is equivalent to biopsy --since biopsy is more invasive --pcr is a choice

thogh we have already come to kind of agreement --i will like to add this logic for choosing pcr