Longitudinal brain magnetic resonance imaging of children with perinatal Chikungunya encephalitis

Neuroradiol J. 2020 Dec;33(6):532-537. doi: 10.1177/1971400920959070. Epub 2020 Sep 21.

Abstract

Chikungunya virus can be transmitted perinatally leading to serious neurological sequelae. We report the longitudinal evolution of the brain magnetic resonance imaging aspects of three cases of mother-to-child Chikungunya virus transmission. The first magnetic resonance imaging scan presented brain cavitations, with or without corpus callosum diffusion restriction. Follow-up scans showed reduction in the volume of cavitations, with resolution of the restricted diffusion. However, one patient presented with a normal brain magnetic resonance image, despite the delay in neurocognitive development.

Keywords: Chikungunya virus; brain MRI; encephalitis; perinatal transmission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chikungunya Fever / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chikungunya Fever / transmission*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy