Viral encephalitis CT

Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]

Overview

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). Certain parasitic or protozoal infestations, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems. CT scan often is not helpful, as cerebral abscess is uncommon.

CT scan

• CT scan should be done in all patients with encephalitis.
• It should be performed before lumber puncture if there are signs and symptoms suggestive of elevated intracranial tension (focal neurological involvement) is there, for instance obstructive hydrocephalus, or mass effect.
• It helps in excluding brain hemorrhage or infarction as a cause of an encephalopathy. Bleeding is uncommon except in patients with herpes simplex type 1 encephalitis.