MRI and CT characteristics of the complications of hand-foot-mouth disease in central nervous system in children: Summary of 15 cases

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analysis and summarize the imaging characteristics of the complications of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Central Nervous System (CNS). Methods15 patients' CNS images were analyzed retrospectively, which included CT and MRI. And some correlative papers were reviewed. ResultsThere were 5 cases performed by CT. 2 patients' basal ganglion, 1 patient's centrum ovale, and 3 cases of brainstem were found slightly hypodense shadows with hazy border; 1 lesion was seen at right frontal and temporal lobe, which showed large sheet slightly hypodense shadow with hazy border and mass effect; There were 11 cases performed using MRI. 8 patients' brainstem, 3 patients’ basal ganglion, 1 patient's centrum ovale, 1 patient's corona radiate, and 2 patient’ cervical spinal cord were seen abnormal signals, which showed low or slightly low signals on T1WI, high or slightly high signals on T2WI, high signals on FLARI and DWI; and 1 patient's frontal and temporal lobe showed mass effect. ConclusionsThe inflammation of the CNS in children with HFMD can be well displayed by MRI, especially enhanced MRI scanning. Besides, CT can also be employed when necessary.