Neuroradiology - Case Report 2016

MRI of recurrent isolated cerebral Whipple's disease

10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.1830-08.1

  • Fuldem Yıldırım Dönmez
  • Esra Meltem Kayahan Ulu
  • Ceyla Başaran
  • Müge Ünlükaplan
  • Arzu Uyuşur
  • Mahir Yıldırım
  • Esra Özgül

Received Date: 08.04.2008 Accepted Date: 14.07.2008 Diagn Interv Radiol 2010;16(2):112-115

Whipple's disease is a rare systemic bacterial infection, characterized predominantly by gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurological symptoms are frequent in the course of the disease; however, a purely neurological presentation is uncommon. Diagnosis is confirmed with biopsy and polymerase chain reaction studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings vary, most commonly showing increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Contrast-enhanced images and diffusion- weighted imaging are useful to demonstrate meningeal enhancement and any accompanying infarcts. Brain biopsy is often performed, and MRI is crucial to guide the biopsy. Cerebral Whipple's disease is a long-lasting infection requiring long-term follow-up of these patients. MRI should be performed to detect any potential recurrence. We present a case of recurrent isolated cerebral Whipple's disease in a 68-yearold man with atypical presentation and MRI findings.

Keywords: Whipple disease, magnetic resonance imaging,central nervous system