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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
MRI features in dengue encephalitis: A case series in South Indian tertiary care hospital
Brijesh K Soni1, Debasheesh S R Das1, R A George1
1Department of Radiology, Command Hospital Air Force, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Abstract:
Dengue virus, a RNA virus of family Flaviviradae is considered non-neurotropic. Increasing studies and case reports reveal neurological manifestations of dengue virus. In our case series, we have evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 3 patients with dengue fever diagnosed by positive dengue NS1 antigen with neurological symptoms, which revealed nonspecific imaging features of dengue encephalitis in two cases and dengue meningoencephalitis in one case. Autopsy findings are also correlated in 2 patients who succumbed to their disease. This case series underlines the consideration of dengue encephalitis in patients of dengue fever with neurological symptoms and relevant imaging findings.
Insights
Dengue virus can cause neurological issues, including encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, even though it is not typically considered neurotropic. This case series highlights the importance of considering dengue encephalitis in patients with neurological symptoms and relevant MRI findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue virus (family Flaviviradae) is generally considered non-neurotropic.
- However, accumulating evidence suggests potential neurological manifestations.
- This study investigates neuroimaging in dengue fever patients with neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A case series of 3 patients with confirmed dengue fever (positive dengue NS1 antigen) and neurological symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate brain abnormalities.
- Autopsy findings were correlated in 2 deceased patients.
Findings:
- MRI revealed nonspecific imaging features suggestive of dengue encephalitis in two patients.
- One patient presented with findings consistent with dengue meningoencephalitis.
- Autopsy results supported the clinical and imaging diagnoses.
Implications:
- Dengue encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with dengue fever and neurological symptoms.
- Neuroimaging findings, though often nonspecific, can aid in diagnosing dengue-related neurological complications.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and improve management of dengue neurological syndromes.
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