Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy (Leigh's disease) in a child with particular reference to CT finding

An example of subacute necrotizing encephalopathy, the fifth case in Thailand, was recorded. A 7-month-old boy presented clinically with vomiting, lethargy, respiratory difficulty, deteriorated consciousness, and hypotonia. The CT brain scan disclosed bilateral symmetrical radiolucencies in the basal ganglia, especially the lentiform nuclei, and thalami. Postmortem examination of these areas as well as the periaqueductal region revealed subacute necrotizing encephalopathy. It was characterized by necrosis, gliosis, and status spongiosus of the neuropil with relatively preserved neurons, and hyperplasia of small blood vessels as well as endothelium. As far as we are aware, the vast majority of abnormalities in the basal ganglia visualized by CT brain imaging often show calcific foci or high attenuation with asymmetrical distribution. Bilateral symmetrical lesions of low density are rare. We reported such an abnormality in a postmortem proven case of Leigh's disease. To recognize this finding should lead to correct antemortem diagnosis of the latter.