Neuroimaging of Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases of the Pediatric Cerebellum and Brainstem

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2016 Aug;26(3):471-87. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2016.03.011.

Abstract

Cerebellar involvement by infectious-inflammatory conditions is rare in children. Most patients present with acute ataxia, and are typically previously healthy, young (often preschool) children. Viral involvement is the most common cause and ranges from acute postinfectious ataxia to acute cerebellitis MR imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of patients suspected of harboring inflammatory-infectious involvement of the cerebellum and brainstem. Knowledge of the imaging features of these disorders and technical competence on pediatric MR imaging are necessary for a correct interpretation of findings, which in turn prompts further management.

Keywords: Ataxia; Cerebellar infections; Cerebellitis; Rhombencephalitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Stem / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebellar Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebellum / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Communicable Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Pediatrics / methods