MRI findings in acute cerebellitis

Eur Radiol. 2004 Aug;14(8):1478-83. doi: 10.1007/s00330-004-2247-y. Epub 2004 Feb 13.

Abstract

Acute cerebellitis is an inflammatory process involving the cerebellum. We report the clinical, CT and MRI features of four cases and a review of the literature. Bilateral diffuse hemispheric abnormalities represent the most common imaging presentations. Our observations demonstrate the various imaging appearances of acute cerebellitis. Simultaneous involvement of both hemispheres and the vermis has not been reported previously. The development of cerebellar atrophy following an initial normal MR imaging examination is also a new finding. In atypical clinical presentation, MR imaging can lead to the diagnosis. MR imaging findings have, however, no prognostic value.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / diagnosis*
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / drug therapy
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / etiology
  • Cerebellar Diseases / complications
  • Cerebellar Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cerebellar Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cerebellum / pathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Encephalitis / complications
  • Encephalitis / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisolone