OBJECTIVE: To correlate MRI and histopathologic findings in patients with Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: MRI features of 10 patients with RE were studied on serial scans. In surgical specimens from these patients, densities of T lymphocytes, microglial cells and nodules, and reactive astrocytes were evaluated. RESULTS: Densities of T cells, microglial nodules, and astrocytes were inversely correlated to disease duration. MRI abnormalities had a focal onset and spread across one hemisphere. The following course of MRI abnormalities in a given brain region was observed: on very early scans, the cortex was swollen and showed a hyperintense T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal. Consecutively, progressive atrophy of the affected hemisphere occurred. Correlation of MRI features with quantitative histopathology revealed that there was a higher number of T cells and reactive astrocytes in the earlier MRI stages compared with the late (merely atrophic) stage. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a disease course in RE with the highest inflammatory intensity in the early stages and a subsequent decrease in inflammation. The MRI abnormalities and their characteristic sequence may help to identify patients with RE and to obtain informative biopsies.
OBJECTIVE: To correlate MRI and histopathologic findings in patients with Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: MRI features of 10 patients with RE were studied on serial scans. In surgical specimens from these patients, densities of T lymphocytes, microglial cells and nodules, and reactive astrocytes were evaluated. RESULTS: Densities of T cells, microglial nodules, and astrocytes were inversely correlated to disease duration. MRI abnormalities had a focal onset and spread across one hemisphere. The following course of MRI abnormalities in a given brain region was observed: on very early scans, the cortex was swollen and showed a hyperintense T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal. Consecutively, progressive atrophy of the affected hemisphere occurred. Correlation of MRI features with quantitative histopathology revealed that there was a higher number of T cells and reactive astrocytes in the earlier MRI stages compared with the late (merely atrophic) stage. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a disease course in RE with the highest inflammatory intensity in the early stages and a subsequent decrease in inflammation. The MRI abnormalities and their characteristic sequence may help to identify patients with RE and to obtain informative biopsies.
Authors: Sara Casciato; Carlo Di Bonaventura; Anna Teresa Giallonardo; Jinane Fattouch; Pier Paolo Quarato; Addolorata Mascia; Alfredo D'Aniello; Andrea Romigi; Vincenzo Esposito; Giancarlo Di Gennaro Journal: Neurosurg Rev Date: 2015-04-16 Impact factor: 3.042
Authors: Carlos Cepeda; Julia W Chang; Geoffrey C Owens; My N Huynh; Jane Y Chen; Conny Tran; Harry V Vinters; Michael S Levine; Gary W Mathern Journal: CNS Neurosci Ther Date: 2014-12-01 Impact factor: 5.243
Authors: L Chiapparini; T Granata; L Farina; E Ciceri; A Erbetta; F Ragona; E Freri; L Fusco; G Gobbi; G Capovilla; L Tassi; L Giordano; M Viri; B Dalla Bernardina; R Spreafico; M Savoiardo Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 2003-02-12 Impact factor: 2.804
Authors: Sophia Varadkar; Christian G Bien; Carol A Kruse; Frances E Jensen; Jan Bauer; Carlos A Pardo; Angela Vincent; Gary W Mathern; J Helen Cross Journal: Lancet Neurol Date: 2014-02 Impact factor: 44.182