[Imaging in pediatric Herpes simplex virus type I encephalitis].

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe radiological features of herpes simplex virus 1 encephalitis, rarely reported in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed imaging findings in 10 children with biologically proven herpes simples virus 1 encephalitis.

RESULTS

Eight CT scans were performed before the second day of the clinical course, 6 CT and 6 MRI were performed after day 4. The initial CT scan was normal in half of the cases. Low densities and hemorrhagic lesions were seen in almost half of the cases. There was no abnormal contrast enhancement in this series.

DISCUSSION

After 4 days of infection, hemorrhagic lesions were seen in all cases. Unilateral thalamic involvement was observed in half of the children, in correlation with clinical recurrence of encephalitis. The diagnostic, histological and therapeutic significance of these thalamic involvements remains to be elucidated.