Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
09:04

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Published on: June 8, 2017

An initial MRI picture of limbic encephalitis in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Sébastien Lebon1, Philippe Maeder, Malin Maeder-Ingvar

  • 1Unité de Neurologie et de Neurorehabilitation Pédiatrique, Département Médico-Chirurgical de Pédiatrie, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland. Sebastien.Lebon@chuv.ch

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|June 3, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare measles complication, presented unusually in a teen with limbic encephalitis-like brain MRI findings. This case highlights atypical presentations of SSPE, emphasizing the need for broader diagnostic considerations.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, severe neurological complication of measles infection.
  • Typical SSPE features include cognitive decline, myoclonia, specific EEG patterns, and white matter changes on MRI.
  • Early-stage SSPE may present with normal or subtle imaging findings.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented with unilateral myoclonia and cognitive decline.
  • Initial brain MRI revealed hippocampal swelling, mimicking limbic encephalitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed positive measles antibodies, and EEG displayed slow periodic complexes.

Findings:

  • The patient's presentation with limbic encephalitis-like imaging is an unusual radiological manifestation of SSPE.
  • Positive measles antibodies in CSF confirmed a link to measles virus.
  • EEG findings were consistent with SSPE, despite the atypical MRI.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of radiological presentations for SSPE.
  • It underscores the importance of considering SSPE even with atypical imaging, particularly in the presence of compatible clinical and laboratory findings.
  • Further research into the virus-host interaction within the limbic system in SSPE is warranted.

More Related Videos

Brain Infarct Segmentation and Registration on MRI or CT for Lesion-symptom Mapping10:25

Brain Infarct Segmentation and Registration on MRI or CT for Lesion-symptom Mapping

Published on: September 25, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...