Related Experiment Videos
Viral infections of the CNS in children: imaging features
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle 98105.
Insights
This review covers key neuroimaging findings for major viral central nervous system (CNS) infections in children. It categorizes findings by congenital infections, meningitis/encephalitis, post-viral syndromes, and HIV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral infections are a significant cause of central nervous system (CNS) pathology in pediatric populations.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of CNS infections is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.
- Neuroimaging plays a vital role in identifying and characterizing CNS involvement in pediatric viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of neuroimaging findings associated with major viral CNS infections in infants and children.
- To categorize and discuss imaging features based on specific viral etiologies and clinical presentations.
- To serve as a reference for clinicians and radiologists managing pediatric CNS viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of the literature on viral CNS infections in pediatric populations.
- Consolidation of imaging findings from various viral etiologies.
- Categorization of infections into neonatal congenital infections, meningitis/encephalitis, post-viral syndromes, and HIV infection.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of characteristic imaging findings for congenital viral infections (e.g., TORCH).
- Discussion of imaging patterns in aseptic meningitis and encephalitis.
- Presentation of imaging features in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and other post-viral syndromes.
- Overview of neuroimaging manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in children.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging is essential for diagnosing and monitoring viral CNS infections in children.
- Recognizing specific imaging patterns aids in differentiating viral etiologies and guiding clinical management.
- This review consolidates critical imaging information for pediatric CNS viral infections, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Abstract:
In this paper, we review the imaging findings associated with the major viral infections of the CNS in infants and children. We approach these infections by grouping them into several categories: congenital infections in neonates, aseptic meningitis and encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and other postviral syndromes in older children, and HIV infection.