Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Neurology, Yüzüncü
Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkiye | Department of Radiology, Yüzüncü Yıl
University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkiye
Note: [] Correspondence: Hüseyin Çaksen, MD, Yüzüncü
Yıl University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Van,
Turkiye. Tel.: +90 432 217 61 28; Fax: +90 432 215 04 79; E-mail:
huseyincaksen@hotmail.com
Abstract: In this study, cranial computerized tomography (CT) and/or magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) findings were investigated in nine children with acute
herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). HSE was confirmed by polymerase chain
reaction. Our purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic value of CT and MRI in the
diagnosis of HSE and to determine the widespread of the cranial abnormalities
in HSE in childhood. Cranial CT was examined in all children and found to be
normal in four children. Cranial MRI was examined in seven children, of whom,
three was normal. Temporal involvement was diagnosed in only two children. Our
findings revealed that the range of cranial involvement was fairly variable in
childhood HSE; aside from typical temporal involvement, cranial images may be
normal or widespread involvement including basal ganglia, thalamus, frontal and
parietal lobes may be seen in children with HSE.
Keywords: Herpes simplex encephalitis, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging
