Presentation
History of dog bite, patient brought in an unconscious state.
Patient Data
Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/39733/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
Symmetrical hyperintensity on T2 and FLAIR images is seen involving the bilateral basal ganglia, posterolateral thalami, midbrain, dorsal pons, medulla and central aspect of the cervical cord.
Diffusion imaging reveals diffuse hyperintensity at basal ganglia, right more than left. Focal area of patchy post-contrast enhancement is seen at right hippocampus.
Case Discussion
Given the history of dog-bite, MRI findings of near symmetrical bilateral hyperintense signals involving the basal ganglia, thalami, dorsal brainstem and cervical cord grey matter are consistent with rabies encephalitis.
Diagnosis was confirmed through immune markers.