MRI and SPECT in influenzal encephalitis.
Repeated magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed in a 22-month-old boy with influenzal encephalitis. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images disclosed multifocal hyperintense areas in the cortex and subcortical white matter of the left frontal, temporal, parietal, and right frontal lobes. 123I single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain images demonstrated decreased uptake in the same regions. SPECT revealed larger areas of decreased uptake as compared with magnetic resonance imaging. One year after the onset of encephalitis, these brain lesions continue to be observed, although the patient has no apparent neurologic sequelae.