[Three cases of human herpesvirus-6 encephalopathy showing hyperperfusion in the acute phase on SPECT].

Brain hypoperfusion observed on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a typical finding in the acute phase of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) encephalopathy. However, from 2004 to 2010, we encountered three cases of HHV-6 encephalopathy in which hyperperfusion in the area of the brain lesion was observed on SPECT performed within 48 hours after disease onset. The hyperperfusion in the brain was followed by hypoperfusion in the recovery phase. These cases suggest that hyperperfusion may appear in damaged areas prior to the hypoperfusion that is normally associated with HHV-6 encephalopathy.