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MR imaging of paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis
D Lacomis1, S Khoshbin, R M Schick
1Neurology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, a rare disorder, was diagnosed in a woman with breast cancer using advanced MR imaging. This case highlights the utility of MRI in identifying subtle brain changes associated with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) is a rare neurological disorder.
- Diagnosis has historically relied on clinical and pathological findings.
- Radiological correlation has been limited.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old woman presented with progressive limbic dysfunction.
- Symptoms emerged 4 years post-mastectomy for breast cancer.
- Initial CT scans were unremarkable.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed signal abnormalities.
- Affected brain regions included medial temporal lobes, amygdala, and hypothalamus.
- MR-guided temporal lobe biopsy confirmed encephalitis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of advanced neuroimaging in diagnosing PLE.
- MRI can detect subtle abnormalities not visible on CT.
- Improved radiological correlation aids in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of rare neurological disorders.