Evolution of MRI changes in Rasmussen's encephalitis.
1Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|December 18, 2013
Summary
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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