Introduction Autoimmune encephalitis refers to a recently recognized group of immune-mediated disorders that involve the central nervous system (CNS). These conditions, which overlap in their clinical manifestations and imaging findings, are ultimately tied to specific antibodies ( Fig. 11.1 ).…
Introduction Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare, usually monophasic, immunologically mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with characteristic polyfocal involvement of the neuroaxis on imaging. It may occur at any age but is most commonly seen…
Introduction Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium . The central nervous system (CNS), eyes, and muscles are the most commonly involved sites. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered the most common parasitic infection…
Introduction Central nervous system (CNS) toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii . This parasite may be acquired in utero or through the ingestion of infected meat or cat feces, as cats are its…
Introduction Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most common cause of fatal sporadic encephalitis worldwide. In adults and older children, most cases of HSE are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virus. Patients initially present with nonspecific neurologic…
Introduction Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) was originally described by . He first detailed the entity in a group of malnourished and alcoholic patients. Further studies and advancement in medicine have shown that CPM most commonly results from the rapid correction…
Introduction Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) was first described in 1881 by Carl Wernicke as a “superior acute hemorrhagic polioencephalitis.” WE is now recognized as a complication of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and results in the following clinical triad: mental confusion, gait…
Introduction Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a microangiopathy defined by progressive deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ) in the walls of distal cortical and leptomeningeal vessels. The resulting small vessel damage can result in hemorrhage, infarction, and/or chronic hypoperfusion, the sequela…
Introduction Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) refers to a potentially reversible neurotoxic state occurring in association with vasogenic cerebral edema. Although the reported age range varies between 4 and 90 years, most affected patients are in their fourth or fifth…
Introduction The accurate age determination of a subdural hemorrhage is one of the most common and basic assessments in the setting of head trauma. On computed tomography (CT), the classic descriptions of blood products within the subdural space relate to…