European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ACUTE HAEMORRHAGIC ENCEPHALITIS IN RABIES: AN ATYPICAL MRI PRESENTATION

*Dr. Akshay Sharma and Dr. Deeksha Sharma

ABSTRACT

Rabies encephalitis is a rapidly fatal viral infection affecting the central nervous system, typically presenting with altered sensorium, autonomic dysfunction, and progressive coma. MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosis, often revealing T2 hyperintensities in the brainstem, basal ganglia, and limbic system. In this case, an intubated ICU patient with rabies encephalitis exhibited T2 hyperintensities involving the bilateral cortex, basal ganglia (caudate, globus pallidus, putamen), and parts of the thalami, with diffusion restriction and hemorrhagic foci on SWI, suggestive of acute hemorrhagic encephalitis. These findings highlight an uncommon radiological manifestation of rabies, which can mimic other viral or autoimmune encephalitides. Early recognition of such atypical imaging features is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in endemic regions.

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