Mesiotemporal T2-weighted hyperintensity: neurosyphilis mimicking herpes encephalitis.
Bilateral mesiotemporal hyperintensity on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MR images of a patient with a clinical syndrome of encephalitis is considered to be a classic finding for herpes simplex virus infection. We report a case of neurosyphilis with identical MR imaging abnormalities and a similar clinical presentation. Because syphilis is not routinely tested for, awareness of this mimicry of herpes simplex virus encephalitis is important, considering the potential therapeutic implications.
Bash
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Department of Radiology, University of California Los Angeles, 90095, USA.
Hathout
G M
GM
Cohen
S
S
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020803:Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000473:pathology*