Is a reversible splenial lesion a sign of encephalopathy?

Pediatr Neurol. 2009 Aug;41(2):143-5. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2009.02.019.

Abstract

A reversible splenial lesion of the corpus callosum has been recognized in patients with mild encephalitis/encephalopathy associated with various infectious diseases. All reported cases of encephalitis/encephalopathy, by definition, present with neurologic signs, many of which involve seizures or mildly altered states of consciousness, such as drowsiness. We report an 8-year-old boy with influenza A infection not associated with neurologic signs, whose brain magnetic resonance images incidentally revealed a reversible splenial lesion in the corpus callosum. This case indicates that a transient splenial lesion in the corpus callosum may occur during a febrile illness, without neurologic manifestations. Therefore, physicians should not diagnose or treat a patient as encephalopathic merely because of the presence of a splenial lesion on magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Corpus Callosum / injuries*
  • Corpus Callosum / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalitis, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis, Viral / pathology*
  • Encephalitis, Viral / therapy
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / pathology*
  • Influenza, Human / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome