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Cerebellar atrophy attributed to cerebellitis in two patients
Michito Adachi1, Toru Kawanami, Humi Ohshima
1Department of Radiology, Ohshima Clinic, Sakurada Nishi, Yamagata 990-2321, Japan. miadchi@beach.ocn.ne.jp
Summary
Two rare cases of late-stage cerebellitis presented with isolated cerebellar atrophy, distinct from spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Specific MRI findings may aid in diagnosing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD) encompasses various neurological disorders affecting the cerebellum.
- Cerebellar atrophy can result from numerous causes, necessitating accurate differential diagnosis.
Observation:
- Two rare patients with late-stage cerebellitis were identified during a review of magnetic resonance (MR) images.
- These patients exhibited isolated cerebellar atrophy without brainstem or cerebral involvement.
Findings:
- Patients tested negative for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) genes and had no history of hypothyroidism, tumors, or substance abuse.
- MR imaging revealed generalized cerebellar atrophy with high intensities in the cerebellar cortices on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images.
- Widening of the folia and cortical FLAIR hyperintensities were noted as potential diagnostic indicators.
Implications:
- The observed MR imaging patterns, specifically widened folia and cortical FLAIR hyperintensities, may serve as crucial diagnostic clues for late-stage cerebellitis.
- This finding aids in differentiating cerebellitis from other causes of cerebellar atrophy, including spinocerebellar ataxias.