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Published in: Neuroradiology 3/2007

01-03-2007 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Reversible splenial abnormality in hypoglycemic encephalopathy

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

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 3/2007

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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 be added to the list of selective vulnerability to hypoglycemia and that hypoglycemia, in turn, be included in the differential diagnosis of reversible SCC abnormalities.
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Metadata
Title
Reversible splenial abnormality in hypoglycemic encephalopathy
Authors
Ji Hyun Kim
Jeong Yoon Choi
Seong-Beom Koh
Younghen Lee
Publication date
01-03-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Neuroradiology / Issue 3/2007
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-006-0184-y

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