Diagnosis of bacterial cerebellitis: diffusion imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Diffusion-weighted imaging and in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy) have demonstrated great potential in differentiating intracranial lesions of various pathologies. This report describes a case of a 12-year-old child with cerebellitis and subdural empyema that manifested presence of succinate, acetate, lactate, and amino acids on in vivo (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy from a large area of restricted diffusion in the vermis on diffusion-weighted imaging, a finding specific for bacteria-induced infection. The child made a complete clinical and imaging recovery on conservative management.