Evolution of MRI changes in Rasmussen's encephalitis
1Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India.
Purpose:
We studied the MRI findings in 16 patients with Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE), further analysed serial MRI changes in 11 of them and correlated it with clinical features.
Methodology:
The diagnosis of RE was based on the European consensus statement (Brain, 128, 2005, 454). Details related to demographical, clinical, MRI observations were analysed.
Results:
Forty MRIs of brain of 16 patients were reviewed. Eleven patients had undergone serial brain MRIs ranging from two to five occasions. All the patients had unihemispheric focal cortical atrophy, predominantly in the perisylvian region (n = 13). Other features were white matter signal changes (n = 14), and ipsilateral caudate (n = 6) and putamen (n = 4) atrophy. Signal alterations in putamen and caudate were noted in four each. In all the 11 patients with serial MRI, there was progression of cerebral atrophy and a trend towards increase in MRI staging. The MRI signal changes remained same in five patients, resolved in three patients, differential change in two patients and increased in one patient. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed facilitated diffusion (n = 5), and MR spectroscopy showed reduced N-acetyl-aspartate and elevated lactate (n = 2).
Conclusions:
Pattern recognition of MRI findings and the changes in serial MRI might serve as a surrogate marker of disease viz. unihemispheric progressive focal cortical atrophy and signal changes predominantly in the perisylvian distribution and caudate followed by putamen involvement. This might assist in understanding and monitoring of the disease progression.
Insights
MRI findings in Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) show progressive unihemispheric atrophy, particularly in the perisylvian region. Serial MRI changes can help monitor disease progression and serve as a surrogate marker.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disease affecting one cerebral hemisphere.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and predicting outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in patients with Rasmussen's encephalitis.
- To evaluate serial MRI changes and correlate them with clinical features of the disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 40 brain MRIs from 16 patients diagnosed with RE based on European consensus criteria.
- Analysis of demographical, clinical, and MRI observations, including serial imaging in 11 patients.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited unihemispheric focal cortical atrophy, predominantly in the perisylvian region.
- Common findings included white matter signal changes and ipsilateral atrophy/signal alterations in the caudate and putamen.
- Serial MRIs demonstrated progressive cerebral atrophy and a trend towards increased MRI staging.
Conclusions:
- Pattern recognition of MRI findings, including progressive focal cortical atrophy and specific signal changes, can serve as a surrogate marker for Rasmussen's encephalitis.
- Serial MRI changes are valuable for understanding and monitoring disease progression in RE.
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