Reversible splenial lesion syndrome caused by rubella infection

ABSTRACT

Reversible splenial lesion syndrome can be caused by viral infection. Rubella generally occurs in childhood, and it is rarely accompanied by neurological complications in adulthood. A 35-year-old man visited our hospital due to conjunctival injection, mild fever, and headache 3 days after experiencing skin rash. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed distinct lesions involving white matter in the splenium of the corpus callosum approximately 3 days following the onset of symptoms. Enzyme immunoassay performed on serum and CSF samples was positive for rubella virus IgM. A follow-up brain MRI was performed 24 days after the onset of symptoms, and reduced lesion size with decreased signals were observed on diffusion weighted image. This case showed that rubella infection can result in reversible splenial lesion accompanied by only mild neurological symptoms.