Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult

Abstract Background Baló’s concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disorder distinguished by its hallmark imaging feature of concentric layers of demyelination on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite its distinct radiological presentation, the pathogenesis and clinical significance o...

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Main Authors: Ismail Mohamed Halfi, Firdaous Touarsa, Meriem Fikri, Mohamed Jiddane
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-08-01
Series:The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43055-025-01546-6
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author Ismail Mohamed Halfi
Firdaous Touarsa
Meriem Fikri
Mohamed Jiddane
author_facet Ismail Mohamed Halfi
Firdaous Touarsa
Meriem Fikri
Mohamed Jiddane
author_sort Ismail Mohamed Halfi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Baló’s concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disorder distinguished by its hallmark imaging feature of concentric layers of demyelination on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite its distinct radiological presentation, the pathogenesis and clinical significance of BCS remain poorly understood, making the reporting of such cases crucial for advancing knowledge about its diagnosis and management. Through this case report, we aimed to highlight the clinical and radiological features of BCS and emphasise the role of MRI in its early diagnosis and management. Case presentation We present a case of BCS characterised by a severe clinical presentation and a striking radiological profile. The patient exhibited profound neurological deficits, and a brain MRI was performed, demonstrating the hallmark concentric demyelination pattern. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and characteristic imaging findings. High-dose corticosteroid therapy led to significant clinical recovery and marked radiological improvement. Conclusions This case contributes to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological processes behind BCS and underscores the importance of recognising its characteristic imaging features. Improved awareness may enhance diagnostic accuracy and influence therapeutic approaches for this rare condition.
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series The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
spelling doaj-art-e801d861f44947c8abbc06a6784bebdd2025-08-20T03:47:10ZengSpringerOpenThe Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine2090-47622025-08-015611510.1186/s43055-025-01546-6Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adultIsmail Mohamed Halfi0Firdaous Touarsa1Meriem Fikri2Mohamed Jiddane3Hospital of Specialties, Mohammed V UniversityHospital of Specialties, Mohammed V UniversityHospital of Specialties, Mohammed V UniversityHospital of Specialties, Mohammed V UniversityAbstract Background Baló’s concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disorder distinguished by its hallmark imaging feature of concentric layers of demyelination on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite its distinct radiological presentation, the pathogenesis and clinical significance of BCS remain poorly understood, making the reporting of such cases crucial for advancing knowledge about its diagnosis and management. Through this case report, we aimed to highlight the clinical and radiological features of BCS and emphasise the role of MRI in its early diagnosis and management. Case presentation We present a case of BCS characterised by a severe clinical presentation and a striking radiological profile. The patient exhibited profound neurological deficits, and a brain MRI was performed, demonstrating the hallmark concentric demyelination pattern. Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and characteristic imaging findings. High-dose corticosteroid therapy led to significant clinical recovery and marked radiological improvement. Conclusions This case contributes to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological processes behind BCS and underscores the importance of recognising its characteristic imaging features. Improved awareness may enhance diagnostic accuracy and influence therapeutic approaches for this rare condition.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43055-025-01546-6Baló’s concentric sclerosisPathophysiologyMRIMultiple sclerosis
spellingShingle Ismail Mohamed Halfi
Firdaous Touarsa
Meriem Fikri
Mohamed Jiddane
Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine
Baló’s concentric sclerosis
Pathophysiology
MRI
Multiple sclerosis
title Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
title_full Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
title_fullStr Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
title_full_unstemmed Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
title_short Moon craters in the brain: the striking lesions of Baló’s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
title_sort moon craters in the brain the striking lesions of balo s concentric sclerosis in a young adult
topic Baló’s concentric sclerosis
Pathophysiology
MRI
Multiple sclerosis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s43055-025-01546-6
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AT meriemfikri mooncratersinthebrainthestrikinglesionsofbalosconcentricsclerosisinayoungadult
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