Diagnostic imaging in viral encephalitis

The diagnostic procedure in viral encephalitis is based on the synopsis of clinical signs and symptoms, serological data, CSF analysis and diagnostic imaging findings. This article summarizes the findings of those viral encephalitides most frequently encountered in Western Europe. MRI is more sensit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Radiologe 2000-11, Vol.40 (11), p.998-1010
Main Authors: Weber, W, Henkes, H, Felber, S, Jänisch, W, Schaper, J, Kühne, D
Format: Article
Language:ger
Subjects:
Brain - pathology
Encephalitis, Viral - diagnosis
Encephalitis, Viral - etiology
Humans
Image Enhancement
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Sensitivity and Specificity
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Summary:The diagnostic procedure in viral encephalitis is based on the synopsis of clinical signs and symptoms, serological data, CSF analysis and diagnostic imaging findings. This article summarizes the findings of those viral encephalitides most frequently encountered in Western Europe. MRI is more sensitive than CT for the detection of inflammatory brain lesions due to the higher contrast resolution. The pattern of parenchymal damage is highly specific in only some viral encephalitides (e.g., the frequently hemorrhagic lesions of structures of the limbic system in herpes simplex virus type I encephalitis; the symmetric and confluent lesions of the frontal white matter of progressive diffuse leukoencephalopathy in AIDS). In the majority of viral encephalitides MRI demonstrates the location and extension of parenchymal damage. The specific diagnosis in terms of the causative agent is based on serological studies.
ISSN:0033-832X
DOI:10.1007/s001170050872