Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
08:51

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Published on: February 19, 2021

Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis: findings of MRI, MRS, diffusion and perfusion

Orhan Ozbek1, Osman Koç, Yahya Paksoy

  • 1Department of Radiology, Selçuk University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|March 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis) can rarely cause encephalitis, affecting the central nervous system. This case report details unique MRI findings in a pediatric patient with this rare neurological complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, commonly known as infectious mononucleosis, typically affects the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue.
  • While the central nervous system (CNS) is not a primary target, rare neurological complications of EBV infection have been documented.
  • Pediatric cases of EBV-related CNS involvement, particularly encephalitis, are exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

  • A 15-month-old male presented with high fever and acute neurological symptoms.
  • Diagnostic workup included serological tests and advanced neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and MR perfusion.
  • Clinical presentation and imaging results were indicative of Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis.

Findings:

  • The patient's serological tests confirmed active Epstein-Barr virus infection.
  • Neuroimaging revealed findings consistent with encephalitis, specifically detailing unique MRI, MRS, DWI, and MR perfusion characteristics.
  • These radiological findings presented distinct features compared to previously reported cases of EBV encephalitis in the literature.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering EBV encephalitis in the differential diagnosis of febrile neurological illness in children.
  • The unique imaging findings contribute to a better understanding of the spectrum of neuroimaging in EBV encephalitis.
  • Further research into the specific radiological patterns may aid in earlier diagnosis and management of this rare complication.

More Related Videos

Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography09:41

Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography

Published on: January 20, 2023

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...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion01:17

Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion

Understanding and evaluating diffusion and perfusion is critical in assessing a patient's respiratory and circulatory health. These processes play key roles in maintaining the body's internal environment, ensuring that tissues receive adequate oxygen while waste products are efficiently removed.
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan01:30

Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan

Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...