SPECT in focal enterovirus encephalitis: evidence for local cerebral vasculitis

We report a 4-year-old, left-handed male with focal coxsackievirus A3 encephalitis who presented with seizures and acquired aphasia. Electroencephalography exhibited focal spike discharges over the right frontal regions, but cranial magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any structural abnormalities. However, brain single-photon emission computed tomography performed during the acute phase disclosed focal hypoperfusion in the right frontal lobe, consistent with decreased regional cerebral blood flow in the territory of some branches of the right cerebral anterior artery. Without specific treatment, the patient recovered completely within 1 month, when brain single-photon emission computed tomography images returned to normal and cranial magnetic resonance imaging still demonstrated no abnormalities. The present case suggests the possible role of transient local cerebral vasculitis in the pathogenesis of focal enterovirus encephalitis.