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MRI of influenza encephalopathy in children: value of diffusion-weighted imaging
K Tsuchiya1, S Katase, A Yoshino
1Department of Radiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. RXL03761@nifty.ne.jp
Purpose:
Our purpose was to describe the MR findings of influenza encephalopathy and assess the value of diffusion-weighted imaging for its diagnosis.
Method:
We examined a total of five patients diagnosed as having influenza encephalopathy or encephalitis by MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging. We analyzed the conventional images and compared them with diffusion-weighted images.
Results:
Abnormally hyperintense lesions of varying extent and location were noted on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images in the cortex and adjacent white matter in every case. They showed no contrast enhancement. Diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrated the lesions as areas of restricted proton diffusion more clearly than conventional imaging.
Conclusion:
Influenza encephalopathy is depicted as areas of T2 elongation having a rather nonspecific distribution. Diffusion-weighted imaging can demonstrate the lesions sensitively and serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional MRI.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) clearly shows lesions in influenza encephalopathy, which appear as T2 elongation on conventional MRI. DWI is a valuable tool for diagnosing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Influenza encephalopathy is a rare but serious neurological complication of influenza.
- Conventional MRI sequences can show nonspecific findings in influenza encephalopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of influenza encephalopathy.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in influenza encephalopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MRI scans from five patients diagnosed with influenza encephalopathy.
- Comparison of conventional MRI sequences (T2-weighted, FLAIR) with DWI.
Main Results:
- All patients showed hyperintense lesions in the cortex and adjacent white matter on T2-weighted and FLAIR images.
- Lesions did not enhance with contrast.
- DWI revealed restricted proton diffusion within these lesions more clearly than conventional imaging.
Conclusions:
- Influenza encephalopathy presents with T2-elongated lesions with a nonspecific distribution on conventional MRI.
- DWI is a sensitive imaging technique for detecting these lesions and is a valuable adjunct to conventional MRI for diagnosis.