Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis: neuroimaging features and neuropathologic diagnosis

Document Type

Article

Abstract

A case of biopsy-proven acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis is reported. The early computed tomography scans showed extensive bilateral hypodensities with mass effects and foci of microhemorrhages. Bilateral asymmetric hyperintensities in the mesiotemporal and frontal lobes and massive edema were found on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance images in a pattern classic for herpes simplex encephalitis. This fulminant demyelinating disease progresses to coma and death within days. Early diagnosis with neuroimaging studies and rapid correlation with the clinical findings of this disease are vital for the institution of potentially lifesaving treatments.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex (diagnosis, pathology); Humans; Leukoencephalitis, Acute Hemorrhagic (diagnosis, virology); Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Publication Date

9-1-2005

Publication Title

Journal of computer assisted tomography

ISSN

0363-8715

Volume

29

Issue

5

First Page

689

Last Page

93

PubMed ID

16163044

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1097/01.rct.0000173843.82364.db

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