Limbic encephalitis

Limbic encephalitis is a subacute encephalitis, predominantly involving the limbic system in patients with a paraneoplastic disorder secondary to malignant tumors.

The clinical picture consists of changes in mental status, with affective symptoms and striking memory impairment.

Histopathologically, neuronal loss with reactive gliosis is seen in the hippocampus, ingulat and other structures of the temporal lobes.

CT is usually normal.

On T2-weighted MR images there are high-signal intensities in the medial temporal lobes, including the hippocampal formations and ingulat, without mass effect. Involvement of the ingulated gyrus, frontal lobe and hypothalamus is possible.

In mild cases, even MRI can be negative.

Case report

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Presumed limbic encephalitis

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