Diffusion-weighted and conventional MR imaging in neurotrichinosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in trichinosis is a known complication.
• Brain lesions in trichinosis have been previously visualized using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), typically appearing as multifocal small lesions in the cerebral cortex and white matter.

Observation:

• This case report details a patient with trichinosis presenting with multifocal brain lesions.
• Lesions were detected using MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI.
• Sequential follow-up studies documented the evolution of these lesions from acute to chronic stages.

Findings:

• This is the first report to describe sequential MRI findings and diffusion-weighted imaging characteristics of brain lesions in trichinosis.
• Analysis of conventional and diffusion MR data indicated that the observed multifocal brain lesions were consistent with multiple infarctions.
• The findings suggest that the lesions are not due to direct inflammatory infiltration of the brain parenchyma.

Implications:

• This study highlights the utility of sequential MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating the etiology of brain lesions in trichinosis.
• Understanding the imaging characteristics can aid in accurate diagnosis and management of neurotrichinosis.
• The findings suggest a vascular mechanism (infarction) rather than direct parasitic invasion or inflammation in the observed brain lesions.