Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in FET PET/MR

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
10:35

Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: September 20, 2015

12.4K

Niklas Lohaus, Cäcilia Mader, Ilijas Jelcic

    Clinical Nuclear Medicine
    |September 10, 2021
    PubMed

    Insights

    A first-time seizure in a young woman was initially suspected to be cerebral lymphoma. However, advanced imaging and biopsy confirmed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, an inflammatory brain condition.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Neuroimaging
    • Pathology

    Background:

    • A 28-year-old woman presented with a first-time generalized seizure after 3 weeks of daily headaches.
    • Initial CT revealed a left frontal mass with perifocal edema, raising suspicion for cerebral lymphoma.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To differentiate between cerebral lymphoma and other potential causes of a brain mass presenting with seizure.
    • To investigate the diagnostic utility of advanced imaging techniques in this clinical scenario.

    Main Methods:

    • Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain.
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain.
    • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
    • Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxythymidine (FET) Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI).
    • Brain biopsy for histopathological examination.

    Main Results:

    • CSF analysis showed mononuclear pleocytosis but no malignant cells, with normal protein and no oligoclonal bands.
    • FET PET/MRI demonstrated characteristics consistent with inflammatory disease, not neoplastic processes.
    • Histopathological examination of the brain biopsy definitively confirmed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

    Conclusions:

    • Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis can present as a focal brain mass mimicking primary brain tumors like lymphoma.
    • Multimodal diagnostic approaches, including advanced neuroimaging (FET PET/MRI) and histopathology, are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
    • Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management of inflammatory demyelinating diseases.

    More Related Videos

    Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for In Vivo Measuring of Myelin Content in the Lysolecithin Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis08:40

    Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for In Vivo Measuring of Myelin Content in the Lysolecithin Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

    Published on: February 28, 2021

    4.2K
    Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography09:41

    Imaging CD19+ B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model using Positron Emission Tomography

    Published on: January 20, 2023

    2.0K

    Related Concept Videos

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
    Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

    Encephalitis l: Introduction

    Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
    Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

    Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

    Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...