Acute cerebellitis associated with rotavirus infection

Zenichiro Kato, Hideo Sasai, Michinori Funato, Takahiko Asano, Naomi Kondo

Gifu, Japan

Author Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, Japan (Kato Z, Sasai H, Funato M, Kondo N); Department of Radiology, Gifu University Hospital, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1194, Japan (Asano T)

Corresponding Author: Zenichiro Kato, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, 501-1194 Gifu , Japan (Tel: +81 58 230 6386, Fax: +81 58 230 6387, Email: zen-k@gifu-u.ac.jp)

doi: 10.1007/s12519-011-0298-0

Background: Rotavirus infection is occasionally associated with central nervous system involvement, including cerebellitis. However, the precise clinical sequelae of central nervous system disorders and the usefulness of neuroradiological examination for clinical therapies, such as steroid pulse therapy, have not been clarified.

Methods: We present a case of rotavirus cerebellitis examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and single photon emission computed tomography.

Results: MRI demonstrated abnormal intensities in the right cerebellum on fluid attenuated inversion recovery images and, much more obviously, on diffusion-weighted images, but not on T1- or T2-weighted images. Single photon emission computed tomography showed only mild hypoperfusion in the right cerebellum on the 15th day, while 4 weeks later the image showed remarkably low perfusion in the right cerebellum.

Conclusion: The findings of the reported case suggest the importance of performing radiological examinations at early phases of the disease, especially by new modalities such as diffusion weighted imaging, to make timely and appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Key words: cerebellar ataxia; cerebellitis; magnetic resonance imaging; rotavirus; single photon emission computed tomography

World J Pediatr 2013;9(1):87-89