Brain Imaging in Cases with Positive Serology for Dengue with Neurologic Symptoms: A Clinicoradiologic Correlation

Dengue is a common arboviral disease, which uncommonly involves the brain. There has been a recent surge in dengue cases and dengue-related deaths in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to describe brain imaging findings in patients with dengue infection having neurologic symptoms.

Thirty-five patients with positive serology for dengue with CNS symptoms undergoing imaging of the brain were included in the study. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were assessed and correlated to poor outcome.

A Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤12 at presentation, clinical classification of severe-type dengue, and the presence of acute renal failure were associated with poor outcome. Imaging parameters associated with poor outcome were involvement of the thalami and cerebellar peduncles and the presence of diffusion restriction and hemorrhagic foci in the brain parenchyma.

Although not specific, dengue infection has imaging findings that can be used to narrow down the differential list and help in prognostication.