Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis: findings of MRI, MRS, diffusion and perfusion

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus is an infection that is known as infectious mononucleosis. Even though the central nervous system is not a primary region of involvement of this disease, neurological complications are reported rarely. In this case report, we evaluated a 15-month-old male who presented to the pediatric neurology clinic due to high fever and a neurologic attack. His serological tests and radiological examinations (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and MR perfusion) were consistent with Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis, which is a very rare complication of infectious mononucleosis. Additionally, we discuss the MRI, MRS, DWI and MR perfusion findings of our case, which were different from other cases reported in the literature.