Neuroimaging findings of Zika virus infection: a review article
Mohammad Zare Mehrjardi1, Elham Keshavarz2, Andrea Poretti3
1Department of Radiology, Shohada Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. zare@sbmu.ac.ir.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus from the Flaviviridae family. It is usually transmitted by mosquito bite. There have been no reports of severe symptoms caused by ZIKV infection up until the last few years. In October 2013 an outbreak was reported in French Polynesia with severe neurological complications in some affected cases. In November 2015, the Ministry of Health of Brazil attributed the increased number of neonatal microcephaly cases in northeastern Brazil to congenital ZIKV infection. The rapid spread of the virus convinced the World Health Organization to announce ZIKV infection as a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" in February 2016. The main neuroimaging findings in congenital ZIKV infection include microcephaly which is the hallmark of the disease, other malformations of cortical development (e.g., lissencephaly, heterotopia, etc.), parenchymal calcifications, unilateral or bilateral ventriculomegaly, enlarged extra-axial CSF spaces, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, agenesis of the cavum septum pellucidum, cerebellar and brainstem hypoplasia, and ocular abnormalities. ZIKV infection may also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in adults. Familiarity with neuroimaging findings of congenital and acquired ZIKV infection is crucial to suspect this disease in residents of endemic regions and travelers to these areas.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, primarily spread by mosquitoes, can cause severe neurological issues. Neuroimaging reveals key findings like microcephaly in infants and conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Recent outbreaks have highlighted severe neurological complications, including congenital microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the neuroimaging findings associated with Zika virus infection.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing these findings for timely diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroimaging findings in congenital and acquired Zika virus infections.
- Analysis of reported cases and associated clinical manifestations.
Main Results:
- Congenital ZIKV infection is characterized by microcephaly, cortical malformations, calcifications, ventriculomegaly, and cerebellar hypoplasia.
- Acquired ZIKV infection can lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in adults.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging is crucial for diagnosing Zika virus infection, especially in endemic areas.
- Familiarity with ZIKV's neurological manifestations aids in early detection and management.
