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Rasmussen's encephalitis: Imaging spectrum on simultaneous FDG-PET and MRI imaging correlation
Murumkar Vivek S1, Karthik Kulanthaivelu1, Chandana Nagaraj1
1Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India.
Clinical Imaging
|March 4, 2022
Summary
Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a rare neurodegenerative disease. This study reviews five cases, highlighting typical and atypical imaging findings crucial for early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroinflammation
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disorder.
- Primarily affecting children, RE presents as drug-refractory epilepsia partialis continua (EPC).
- Immunomodulation may delay progression but rarely improves outcomes.
Observation:
- Imaging, particularly MRI and nuclear imaging, is vital for RE diagnosis and progression monitoring.
- Typical MRI findings include hemispheric and caudate nucleus atrophy, with ventricular and sulcal dilatation.
- This review examines five RE cases, noting one with typical and four with atypical imaging features on PET-MRI.
Findings:
- Atypical imaging presentations of Rasmussen encephalitis can occur, challenging diagnosis.
- PET-MRI revealed diverse imaging patterns in the reviewed cases.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging is critical.
Implications:
- Understanding diverse imaging features aids in earlier and more accurate diagnosis of RE.
- This knowledge can guide treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research into atypical RE presentations is warranted.
