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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Infectious Causes of Acute Encephalopathy
Nikki L Freedman1, Zofia M Lasiecka1, Brent D Weinberg1
1Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Division of Neuroradiology, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road, Suite BG20, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
|July 3, 2026
Summary
This review details how to diagnose infectious encephalopathies using brain imaging. It correlates specific imaging findings with bacterial, viral, parasitic, and prion infections for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Infectious encephalopathies present with nonspecific symptoms.
- Patient history, immune status, and comorbidities are crucial for diagnosis.
- Identifying the causative agent is essential for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe characteristic imaging findings of infectious encephalopathies.
- To correlate imaging patterns with specific infectious agents (bacterial, viral, parasitic, prion).
- To provide guidance on imaging modalities and protocols for diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroimaging findings in infectious encephalopathies.
- Categorization of infections into bacterial, viral, parasitic, and prion diseases.
- Correlation of imaging patterns with clinical presentation and causative agents.
Main Results:
- Specific imaging findings and patterns are characteristic for different types of infectious encephalopathies.
- Bacterial, viral, parasitic, and prion diseases exhibit distinct neuroimaging features.
- Imaging plays a vital role in narrowing differential diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging is critical for diagnosing infectious encephalopathies.
- Understanding characteristic imaging patterns aids in identifying the specific infectious agent.
- Appropriate imaging protocols improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
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