A case of Epstein-Barr encephalitis with some curiosities.
We present the magnetic resonance imaging findings of an eight-year-old boy with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis, with special attention to lesion neuroanatomic distribution, diffusion-weighted images, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). T2 and FLAIR-weighted images showed bilateral and symmetric basal nuclei lesions, with diffusion facilitation. MRS of the lesions demonstrated elevated lactate/lipid and excitatory neurotransmitters. The purpose of this report is to alert to this imagiologic pattern of EBV infection, and in particular to the fact that facilitated diffusion does occur on EBV encephalitis.
Resident Neuroradiology, CHUC Quinta dos Vales, S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra 3000, Portugal joanatpinto@hotmail.com.
Joana
J
Pinto
Resident Neuroradiology, CHUC Quinta dos Vales, S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra 3000, Portugal.
Sílvia
S
Carvalho
Resident Neuroradiology, CHUC Quinta dos Vales, S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra 3000, Portugal.
Cristina
C
Pereira
Resident Neuroradiology, CHUC Quinta dos Vales, S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra 3000, Portugal.
Carolina
C
Figueira
Resident Neuroradiology, CHUC Quinta dos Vales, S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra 3000, Portugal.
Conceição
C
Robalo
D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D011522:Protons
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011522:Protons; D019344:Lactic Acid
ADC map; Encephalitis; Epstein–Barr virus; magnetic resonance spectroscopy