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Published on: June 8, 2017
[MRI diagnosis of cerebral sparganosis in children]
Cai-Gui Gong1, Xiao-Yi Wang, Jin-Kang Liu
1Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Objective:
To study the value of MRI in the diagnosis of cerebral sparganosis in children.
Methods:
The MRI appearances of 17 children with cerebral sparganosis proven by pathology or serological test were retrospectively studied. The diagnostic accuracy rate of cerebral sparganosis was compared before and after knowing the imaging features of this disease.
Results:
Enhanced MRI was performed in 12 cases, and all of them demonstrated abnormal enhancement. Peripheral ring-type, tortuous beaded shape or serpiginous tubular shape enhancement were found in 8 cases. After analysis of follow-up MRI for 7 cases, a change in location and shape of lesions was found in 2 cases. Typical MRI patterns of cerebral sparganosis included abnormal enhancement such as peripheral ring-type, tortuous beaded shape or serpiginous tubular shape enhancement, and changes in location and shape of lesions in the follow-up MRI. The diagnostic accuracy rate for the 17 cases of cerebral sparganosis at the first visit, after first imaging examination and after several follow-up MR examinations were 0%, 11.8% and 28.6%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy rate of this disease increased to 64.7%, 70.6% and 85.7% respectively after the radiologists were trained in the imaging characteristics of the disease.
Conclusions:
MR findings in children with cerebral sparganosis are specific. Mastering correctly the typical imaging features of the disease can be very helpful in reducing the rate of clinical misdiagnosis.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can diagnose pediatric cerebral sparganosis by identifying specific lesion characteristics. Training radiologists in these imaging features significantly improves diagnostic accuracy, reducing misdiagnosis rates.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Cerebral sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection affecting the brain.
- Accurate diagnosis in children is challenging due to non-specific initial symptoms.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for cerebral sparganosis in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of radiologist training on diagnostic accuracy.
Summary:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 children with confirmed cerebral sparganosis.
- Identified typical MRI findings including ring-type, beaded, or serpentine enhancement and lesion mobility on follow-up.
- Diagnostic accuracy increased from 28.6% to 85.7% after specialized radiologist training.
Impact:
- Specific MRI patterns aid in diagnosing pediatric cerebral sparganosis.
- Enhanced radiologist awareness of characteristic imaging features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
- Reduces the rate of clinical misdiagnosis in children.
