Related Experiment Videos
Lyme disease of the CNS: MR imaging findings in 14 cases
R E Fernandez1, M Rothberg, G Ferencz
1Department of Radiology, Community Medical Center, Toms River, NJ 08755.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 1, 1990
Abstract:
The MR images of 14 patients with clinical diagnoses of Lyme disease, CNS complaints, and positive Lyme titers were reviewed. MR examinations were abnormal in 43%. Areas of abnormal signal were identified within the cerebral white matter as well as within the brainstem.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormalities in 43% of patients diagnosed with Lyme disease and central nervous system (CNS) complaints. Abnormal signals were found in the brainstem and cerebral white matter.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lyme disease can present with neurological complications affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
- Diagnostic challenges exist in identifying CNS involvement in Lyme disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing Lyme disease with CNS complaints.
- To identify characteristic MR imaging findings in patients with confirmed Lyme disease and neurological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR imaging scans from 14 patients.
- Patients had clinical diagnoses of Lyme disease, CNS complaints, and positive Lyme titers.
- Analysis of MR imaging for signal abnormalities in the brain.
Main Results:
- 43% of reviewed MR examinations showed abnormalities.
- Abnormal signal areas were identified in the cerebral white matter.
- Abnormal signal areas were also observed in the brainstem.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging can detect abnormalities in patients with Lyme disease and CNS involvement.
- Cerebral white matter and brainstem are potential sites for MR imaging findings in neuroborreliosis.
- MR imaging may aid in the diagnosis and assessment of neurological Lyme disease.