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Neuroradiology

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01-06-2015 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients presenting with (sub)acute cerebellar ataxia

Authors: Tanja Schneider, Götz Thomalla, Einar Goebell, Anna Piotrowski, David Mark Yousem

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Introduction

Acute or subacute cerebellar inflammation is mainly caused by postinfectious, toxic, neoplastic, vascular, or idiopathic processes and can result in cerebellar ataxia. Previous magnetic resonance (MR) studies in single patients who developed acute or subacute ataxia showed varying imaging features.

Methods

Eighteen patients presenting with acute and subacute onset of ataxia were included in this study. Cases of chronic-progressive/hereditary and noncerebellar causes (ischemia, multiple sclerosis lesions, metastasis, bleedings) were excluded. MR imaging findings were then matched with the clinical history of the patient.

Results

An underlying etiology for ataxic symptoms were found in 14/18 patients (postinfectious/infectious, paraneoplastic, autoimmune, drug-induced). In two of five patients without MR imaging findings and three of eight patients with minimal imaging features (cerebellar atrophy, slight signal alterations, and small areas of restricted diffusion), adverse clinical outcomes were documented. Of the five patients with prominent MR findings (cerebellar swelling, contrast enhancement, or broad signal abnormalities), two were lost to follow-up and two showed long-term sequelae.

Conclusion

No correlation was found between the presence of initial MRI findings in subacute or acute ataxia patients and their long-term clinical outcome. MR imaging was more flagrantly positive in cases due to encephalitis.

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Title: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients presenting with (sub)acute cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Tanja Schneider
Götz Thomalla
Einar Goebell
Anna Piotrowski
David Mark Yousem
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-015-1496-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients presenting with (sub)acute cerebellar ataxia

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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