Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
General description
SSPE (Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis) is a consequence of a latent infection by the measles virus, characterized by neuronal loss and demyelination attributable to the viral infection.
Despite its rarity, SSPE is a progressive and fatal form of encephalitis. The condition typically emerges several years following recovery from measles, generally within a span of 7 to 10 years. The disease progresses over a period ranging from 6 months to several years, manifesting through changes in character, headaches, epilepsy, dementia, and abnormal movements, ultimately leading to death.
T2WI and FLAIR hyperintensity
-
CerebrumTemporal lobeCerebral white matter
-
CerebrumParietal lobeCerebral white matter
-
CerebrumOccipital lobeCerebral white matter
-
Brainstem
-
Corpus callosum
Imaging studies typically do not reveal specific findings for this condition. However, a common pattern includes focal T2WI and DWI hyperintensity in the white matter of the posterior cerebrum, particularly the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. As the disease progresses, abnormal signals may also appear in the corpus callosum and brainstem.
Cerebral atrophy
-
Cerebrum