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Neuro-lyme disease: MR imaging findings
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Radiology
|July 10, 2009
Summary
Neuroimaging findings in Lyme disease are subtle. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may reveal white matter changes or enhancement in the brain, aiding diagnosis when Lyme disease is suspected.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lyme disease can affect the central nervous system, presenting complex diagnostic challenges.
- Neuroimaging is crucial for evaluating neurologic symptoms potentially related to Lyme disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging manifestations of neuro-Lyme disease in the brain.
- To identify characteristic MR imaging findings associated with Lyme disease affecting the nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR imaging studies for patients with suspected neuro-Lyme disease between 1993 and 2007.
- Analysis of imaging findings in confirmed cases based on clinical, serologic, and treatment response criteria.
Main Results:
- Of 66 confirmed neuro-Lyme disease cases, seven showed T2 prolongation foci in cerebral white matter.
- One patient presented with an enhancing lesion and edema; three had nerve-root or meningeal enhancement.
- White matter findings in some patients overlapped with those seen in small-vessel disease.
Conclusions:
- Nerve-root or meningeal enhancement on MR imaging suggests Lyme disease in appropriate clinical contexts.
- Considering Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis is important when these imaging findings are present.
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