Objective:To investigate the changes of neuron-specific enolase(NSE)concentration in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with acute and recovery viral encephalitis and to find out its correlation with anomaly electroencephalogram and low density focus volume in imageology. Methods:42 cases of patients with viral encephalitis were enrolled and 25 cases of health examinater or patients with operation of appendix or cholecyst were enrolled in control group.We measured the NSE concentration in cerebrospinal fluid and serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparison analysis was performed by using a SPSS13.0 statistical package. Results:NSE concentration in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute viral encephalitis was significantly higher than that of recoverys and control group(P<0.01). The release of NSE concentration in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute viral encephalitis was associated with the low density focus volume of imageology(rcsf=0.736

P<0.01; rblood=0.685

P<0.01). NSE concentration in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher than that in serum from patients with light

midrange and severe anomaly electroencephalogram(P<0.01). Conclusion:The NSE concentration in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with acute viral encephalitis indicates the damage degree of neuroglial lesion. It is a useful biochemical marker for brain-tissue damage.