Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: Two Case Reports and Review of Literature

Abstract

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by the measles virus. This study investigated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in SSPE by retrospective review of two cases diagnosed by typical periodic electroencephalographic (EEG) features, clinical symptoms and elevated measles antibody titre in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). MRI revealed lesions of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images involving the periventricular or subcortical white matter in both the patients. Both these patients were given sodium valproate for seizures. However, the disease proved fatal in both these cases eventually.