Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
26:48
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Acute encephalitis associated with measles: MRI features.
1Department of Radiology, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University, 760-1 Sanggye-7 dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139707, Korea.
Neuroradiology
|February 20, 2003
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed characteristic brain changes in children with measles-related acute encephalitis. Key findings include cerebral hemisphere swelling and symmetrical involvement of deep gray matter structures, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Measles can lead to acute encephalitis, a serious neurological complication.
- Early diagnosis and understanding of imaging features are crucial for patient management.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in characterizing brain involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and describe the specific MRI features observed in children with acute encephalitis following measles.
- To correlate MRI findings with clinical presentation and serological diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MRI scans from six pediatric patients (aged 5-14 years) diagnosed with measles encephalitis.
- MRI sequences included T2-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
- Clinical data, including rash onset and neurological symptoms, were correlated with imaging findings.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited widely distributed, multifocal high signal intensities on T2-weighted images in both cerebral hemispheres, with cortical swelling.
- Bilateral and symmetrical involvement of the putamen and caudate nucleus was consistently observed.
- Diffusion-weighted images showed restricted diffusion (low apparent diffusion coefficients), indicating cytotoxic edema. Three patients also showed subacute gyriform hemorrhage and contrast enhancement.
Conclusions:
- MRI demonstrates characteristic patterns in measles-related acute encephalitis, including cerebral edema and basal ganglia involvement.
- The presence of restricted diffusion and hemorrhage on MRI can indicate disease severity.
- These imaging findings aid in the diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiology of measles encephalitis in children.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...