Viral infections and white matter lesions

Abstract

This article discusses imaging findings in virus-related infectious and noninfectious encephalitis/encephalopathy with white matter involvement, as well as the differential diagnosis based on the characteristic distribution. Acute viral encephalitis/encephalopathy is a medical emergency. Prompt introduction of treatment has a significant influence on survival and the extent of permanent brain injury. Differentiation between infectious and noninfectious central nervous system involvement is paramount. Neuroimaging provides many clues for the specific diagnosis. Understanding the underlying disorder and pathophysiology is important for the interpretation of the images and therefore the treatment.

Keywords: Brain; Diffusion weighted; Magnetic resonance; Pathology; Viral infection; White matter.