Rasmussen Encephalitis

  • Etiology: Chronic encephalitis of unknown origin – viral versus autoimmune
  • Imaging MRI:
    — Initially normal
    — Subsequent gliotic changes and hemiatrophy
    — Unilateral frontal and temporal lobes most common
    — T1WI post contrast: No enhancement
    — T2WI: Progressively enlarging cortical and white matter swelling changes
  • DDX: Unilateral vasculitis
  • Complications:
  • Treatment:
  • Clinical:
    — Present with progressive seizures and hemiplegia
    — In children between 1 to 15 years old

Radiology Cases of Rasmussen Encephalitis