Cranial CT/MRI findings in children with acute herpes simplex encephalitis

Abstract

In this study, cranial computerized tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were investigated in nine children with acute herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). HSE was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Our purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of HSE and to determine the widespread of the cranial abnormalities in HSE in childhood. Cranial CT was examined in all children and found to be normal in four children. Cranial MRI was examined in seven children, of whom, three was normal. Temporal involvement was diagnosed in only two children. Our findings revealed that the range of cranial involvement was fairly variable in childhood HSE; aside from typical temporal involvement, cranial images may be normal or widespread involvement including basal ganglia, thalamus, frontal and parietal lobes may be seen in children with HSE.