Bildgebende Diagnostik der Virusenzephalitiden

Abstract

The diagnostic procedure in viral encephalitis is based on the synopsis of clinical signs and symptoms, serological data, CSF analysis and diagnostic imaging findings. This article summarizes the findings of those viral encephalitides most frequently encountered in Western Europe. MRI is more sensitive than CT for the detection of inflammatory brain lesions due to the higher contrast resolution. The pattern of parenchymal damage is highly specific in only some viral encephalitides (e.g., the frequently hemorrhagic lesions of structures of the limbic system in herpes simplex virus type I encephalitis; the symmetric and confluent lesions of the frontal white matter of progressive diffuse leukoencephalopathy in AIDS). In the majority of viral encephalitides MRI demonstrates the location and extension of parenchymal damage. The specific diagnosis in terms of the causative agent is based on serological studies.

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis with associated hypothalamitis mimicking a hyperdense hypothalamic tumor: a case report

“…MRI can show unequivocal involvement of temporolimbic structures and helps to exclude other diagnoses [ 6 ]. Although MRI is more sensitive than CT for the detection of inflammatory brain lesions because of the higher contrast resolution, CT is still valuable when used with other supporting clinical evidence in settings where other sophisticated scan techniques are not freely available [ 7 ]. There are few reported cases of normal CT scans in patients with PLE, and precise epidemiological data are not available [ 8 , 9 ].…”