Herpetic encephalitis

Case contributed by Bruno Lorensini
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Fever and headache starting a week ago.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

MRI Brain

mri

Increased density in the hippocampus and the left temporal lobe on T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences. Restriction of diffusion in DWI.

Case Discussion

T2 shows edema of the limbic system and left medial temporal lobe. Hyperintensity affected white matter and cortex on FLAIR in these areas. Restricted diffusion on DWI and ADC.

These findings described in the clinical context, are compatible with herpes encephalitis.

The main differential diagnosis:

  • other viral encephalitides
  • limbic encephalitis
  • gliomatosis cerebri
  • status epilepticus
  • middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction
  • trauma

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.