Reversible splenial abnormality in hypoglycemic encephalopathy

Ji Hyun Kim, Jeong Yoon Choi, Seong Beom Koh, Younghen Lee

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    52 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Introduction: Lesions involving the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC) have been rarely reported in cases of hypoglycemic brain injury. Methods: We identified signal abnormalities in the SCC in three adult patients with hypoglycemic encephalopathy by using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on a 1.5-T MR scanner. Repeat DWI was performed in all patients following a marked clinical improvement, and MR angiography and routine MRI were also performed. We examined each patient's detailed medical history and blood laboratory tests in order to exclude other conditions causing similar SCC abnormalities. Results: Initial DWI was performed during which each patient showed altered mental status that was attributed to profound hypoglycemia. We observed an identical pattern of DWI abnormality characterized by high signals in the SCC with apparent diffusion coefficient reductions that were reversed completely within several days following appropriate correction of hypoglycemia. T2-weighted or FLAIR images also showed no residual lesion in the SCC and MR angiography was normal in all patients. Conclusion: These case reports suggest that the SCC should beadded to the list of selective vulnerability to hypoglycemia and that hypoglycemia, in turn, be included in the differential diagnosis of reversible SCC abnormalities.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)217-222
    Number of pages6
    JournalNeuroradiology
    Volume49
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007 Mar

    Keywords

    • Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)
    • Hypoglycemia
    • Splenium

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
    • Clinical Neurology
    • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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