MRI findings of neurologic complications in the enterovirus 71-infected hand-foot-mouth disease

Abstract

Objective To explore the imaging characteristics of neurologic complications associated with the enterovirus 71 ( EV71 ) epidemic by analyzing 25 cases and reviewing the literature. Methods Twenty-five cases of hand-foot-mouth disease with neurologic complications during the recent EV71 outbreaks of Hainan province were studied for the clinical features and imaging findings, and literature were reviewed.Results In 5 cases, acute flaccid paralysis associated with EV71-infected hand-foot-mouth disease was related to the linear high signal in the spinal cord on sagittal images. Two cases showed symmetrical, welldefined hyperintense lesions in the spinal cord on T2WI transverse. Strong enhancement of the ventral horns and root was seen on the contrast-enhanced axial T1WI. In brainstem encephalitis, all lesions presented with significant hyperintensity on T2WI and hypointense on T1WI in the posterior portions of the medulla oblongata, midbrain, and pons. The manifestations of aseptic meningitis (AM) on MRI have no characteristics, but subdural effusion, meningeal enhancement and hydrocephalus can be the indirect signs of AM. Conclusions MRI is an effective method to investigate neurologic complications associated with the EV71 epidemic. Posterior portions of the medulla oblongata and pons, bilateral ventral horns of spinal involvement are characteristic findings of enteroviral encephalomyelitis. Key words: Hand, foot and mouth disease; Enterovirus infections; Magnetic resonance imaging