MR features of fleeting CNS lesions associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection

The magnetic resonance and CT findings in a 10-year-old patient with neurologic abnormalities associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection are reported. Multiple focal lesions of various sizes were demonstrated with involvement at one time or another of both cerebral hemispheres, the right thalamus, the right cerebellar hemisphere, and the right optic nerve. A unique finding was the fleeting nature of the lesions with new lesions appearing as others resolved. The clinical presentation, laboratory studies, and radiologic patterns suggest the diagnosis of immune-related acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.