Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of necrotizing meningoencephalitis in Pug dogs
B D Young1, J M Levine, G T Fosgate
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. byoung@cvm.tamu.edu
Background:
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) are not well documented.
Objectives:
To describe common MRI features of NME, to compare the MRI features to histopathologic findings, and to determine whether or not MRI lesions are predictive of survival time.
Animals:
Eighteen Pugs with NME.
Methods:
Retrospective MRI case study of Pugs identified by a search of medical records at 6 veterinary institutions. Eighteen dogs met inclusion criteria of histopathologically confirmed NME and antemortem MRI exam. MRI lesions were characterized and compared with histopathology with the kappa statistic. Survival times were compared with MRI findings by use of Mann-Whitney U-tests and Spearman's rho.
Results:
Twelve of 18 lesions were indistinctly marginated with mild parenchymal contrast enhancement. Prosencephalic (17/18) lesion distribution included the parietal (16/18), temporal (16/18), and occipital (16/18) lobes. There were cerebellar (4/18) and brainstem (3/18) lesions. Asymmetric lesions were present in both gray and white matter in all dogs. Falx cerebri shift was common (11/18), and 6 dogs had brain herniation. Leptomeningeal enhancement was present in 9/18 dogs. A moderate positive association was found between parenchymal contrast enhancement and both necrosis (kappa= 0.45; P= .045) and monocytic inflammation (kappa= 0.48; P= .025). Higher MRI lesion burden was correlated with longer time from disease onset to MRI (P= .045). MRI lesion burden did not correlate to survival time.
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Asymmetric prosencephalic grey and white matter lesions with variable contrast enhancement were consistent MRI changes in Pugs with confirmed NME. While not pathognomonic for NME, these MRI characteristics should increase confidence in a presumptive diagnosis of NME in young Pugs with acute signs of neurologic disease.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals characteristic brain lesions in necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) in Pugs. These MRI findings aid in diagnosing NME, though they do not predict survival time.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is a severe inflammatory brain disease in Pugs.
- The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of NME are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the common MRI findings in Pugs with NME.
- To correlate MRI features with histopathological results.
- To assess if MRI findings predict survival in affected dogs.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case study analyzed MRI scans from 18 Pugs with histopathologically confirmed NME.
- MRI lesions were characterized and compared to histopathology using the kappa statistic.
- Survival times were analyzed in relation to MRI findings.
Main Results:
- Asymmetric lesions in the prosencephalon (forebrain), affecting both gray and white matter, were observed in most dogs.
- Variable contrast enhancement and leptomeningeal enhancement were noted.
- A moderate association was found between contrast enhancement and necrosis/inflammation; MRI lesion burden did not correlate with survival.
Conclusions:
- Consistent MRI findings in Pugs with NME include asymmetric prosencephalic lesions with variable contrast enhancement.
- These MRI characteristics can increase diagnostic confidence for NME in young Pugs presenting with acute neurological signs.
- MRI findings were not predictive of survival time in this study.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
01:18Viral Meningitis