Puumala hantavirus: an imaging review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology
• Virology

Background:

• Puumala virus (PUUV) is the most prevalent hantavirus in Europe.
• It typically causes nephropathia epidemica, a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
• However, PUUV infection's effects extend beyond the kidneys and rarely involve symptomatic hemorrhage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and document the diverse imaging abnormalities associated with PUUV infection throughout the body.
• To support the proposed term "Hantavirus disease" encompassing all clinical and radiological manifestations.
• To highlight the utility of radiological findings in the early clinical suspicion of PUUV infection.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of imaging findings in patients with confirmed PUUV infection.
• Comprehensive analysis of radiological abnormalities from head to pelvis.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical manifestations.

Main Results:

• PUUV infection presents with a broad spectrum of non-specific imaging abnormalities.
• Findings can involve various organs, not limited to the renal system.
• Radiological appearances provide valuable clues for early diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• The term "Hantavirus disease" is proposed to better reflect the systemic nature of PUUV infections.
• Radiological assessment is a crucial supportive tool for diagnosing PUUV infection.
• Early recognition of imaging abnormalities can facilitate timely clinical management.