Brain SPECT imaging and treatment with IVIg in acute post-infectious cerebellar ataxia: case report

Neurol Res. 1998 Jan;20(1):85-8. doi: 10.1080/01616412.1998.11740489.

Abstract

A 19 year-old man presented with pharyngitis and cervical lymphadenopathy, followed by vomiting and acute cerebellar ataxia. Serologic studies were consistent with a recent Epstein-Barr virus infection. Although contrast-enhanced brain computed tomography and MRI scans were normal, brain perfusion single photon emission tomography (SPECT) examination using 99mTc-HMPAO, performed on the 15th day of illness, showed marked cerebellar hyperperfusion, suggesting a diagnosis of acute post-infectious cerebellitis. After treatment with intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIg, 2 g kg-1 over three days), progressive neurologic improvement occurred over two weeks. A brain SPECT study repeated after two additional weeks demonstrated a normal perfusion pattern. We conclude that brain perfusion SPECT examination is useful in identifying post-infectious cerebellitis and in monitoring its clinical course. In addition, IVIg may be helpful in treating this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / etiology
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / therapy*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Encephalitis, Viral / complications
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime