A 46-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 with fever, severe headache, first seizure, and focal right arm weakness. CT head is negative; LP later shows

Question

A 46-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 with fever, severe headache, first seizure, and focal right arm weakness. CT head is negative; LP later shows lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated RBCs. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?

Accepted Answer

MRI brain with and without contrast

Answer

Ventilation-perfusion scan

Answer

Carotid duplex ultrasound

Answer

CT abdomen and pelvis

Answer

Plain skull radiographs

Herpes simplex encephalitis — ABEM Board MCQ

A 46-year-old man arrives as ESI 2 with fever, severe headache, first seizure, and focal right arm weakness. CT head is negative; LP later shows lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated RBCs. Which of the following is the most appropriate imaging study?