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MR imaging findings in African trypansomiasis
Danny S Gill1, Deep S Chatha, Raquel del Carpio-O'Donovan
1Department of Radiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|August 15, 2003
Summary
African trypanosomiasis can cause central nervous system (CNS) involvement, affecting brain structures like the basal ganglia. Follow-up imaging revealed reduced inflammation but indicated brain atrophy in a patient with this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease with potential central nervous system (CNS) involvement.
- Early diagnosis and understanding of neurological manifestations are crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male patient presented with neurological symptoms suggestive of CNS involvement.
- Initial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed to evaluate brain structures.
Findings:
- Initial MR imaging revealed diffuse hyperintensity in the basal ganglia bilaterally.
- Affected areas also included the internal capsule, external capsule, and extreme capsule.
- Follow-up imaging at 1 year showed decreased signal intensity in these regions, suggesting reduced inflammation.
Implications:
- Despite reduced inflammation, ventricular enlargement indicative of cerebral atrophy was observed.
- This case highlights the potential for long-term neurological sequelae, such as brain atrophy, following CNS involvement in African trypanosomiasis.
- Longitudinal neuroimaging studies are important for monitoring disease progression and treatment response.