A case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis showing various cerebral perfusion on 99mTc-ECD SPECT

We reported serial neuroradiological findings of a 20-year-old male with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, who deteriorated from Jabbour stage 2 to stage 4 rapidly in spite of oral administration of inosine pranobex. At the stage 2, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and [99mTc]-L, L-ethyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) findings were normal. As the disease progressed, brain MRI and CT revealed diffuse cerebral white matter lesions as well as cerebral atrophy. 99mTc-ECD SPECT showed serially various perfusion of cerebrum. These findings in 99mTc-ECD SPECT may reflect the acute inflammatory process and consequent destruction of brain tissue.