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Computerized tomography in infantile encephalitis
Insights
Computerized tomographic (CT) scan abnormalities in infants with encephalitis are not limited to herpes simplex virus infections. CT findings can resolve as neurologic deficits improve, aiding diagnosis and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Computerized tomographic (CT) findings are established in various pediatric neurologic conditions.
- Previously, CT scan abnormalities in encephalitis were primarily linked to herpes simplex virus infection.
Observation:
- This study describes two infants with encephalitis (one coxsackievirus B2 meningoencephalitis) who exhibited abnormal CT scans during the acute illness phase.
- Both infants demonstrated resolution of CT abnormalities concurrently with recovery from neurologic and developmental deficits.
Findings:
- CT scan abnormalities in infant encephalitis can occur with non-herpes simplex viral infections.
- The resolution of CT abnormalities correlates with clinical improvement in pediatric encephalitis.
Implications:
- CT imaging may play a role in assessing the diagnosis and prognosis of infants presenting with clinical encephalitis.
- Expanding the understanding of CT findings in pediatric encephalitis aids clinical management.
Abstract:
Although computerized tomographic (CT) findings are well recognized in numerous neurologic diseases of children, CT scan abnormalities of encephalitis have only been associated with herpes simplex infection. We describe two infants, one with coxsackievirus B2 meningoencephalitis and one with clinical encephalitis, whose CT scans were similarly abnormal during the acute phase of their illness. In both infants, recovery of both neurologic and developmental deficits was accompanied by resolution of the abnormalities of the initial CT scan. Speculation is offered as to the role of the CT scan in the assistance of the physician who must evaluate both the diagnosis and prognosis of infants who have a clinical picture of encephalitis.