Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Brain scans (Computed Tomography – CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-MRI) show symmetric multifocal lesions affecting the brain (thalami, brainstem, periventricular white matter and cerebellum are the most common although other areas may be affected). The bilateral thalamic lesions are a distinctive feature of ANE. The spinal cord is rarely involved.Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing shows elevated protein, but very rarely pleocytosis (increased cell count). Sometimes, pathogens (viruses) responsible for infection are found in the CSF.Diagnosis is made based on the presence of viral infection before the development of ANE, signs of rapidly neurological deterioration, the results of the brain scans (specifically the symmetric multifocal lesions) and CSF testing and exclusion of resembling diseases.