Open AccessHighlighting the classical MRI findings in transient global amnesia
Author(s) -
Sandro Vella,
Reuben Grech
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
bjr case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2055-7159
DOI - 10.1259/bjrcr.20190111
Subject(s) - transient global amnesia , amnesia , confusion , neuroimaging , hyperintensity , hippocampal formation , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , psychology , neuroscience , psychiatry , psychoanalysis
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a disorder characterised by a temporary, reversible disruption of short-term memory. While the diagnosis of TGA is based on its clinical features, neuroimaging is important to exclude other sinister causes of global amnesia. Furthermore, classical MRI changes in TGA have been well described in the literature. These consist of unilateral or bilateral punctuate areas of hyperintensity in the hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region on diffusion-weighted imaging. We describe a case of a 61-year-old gentleman, presenting with symptoms of transient memory loss and confusion. A stroke was initially suspected in view of his multiple risk factors. Timely MRI demonstrated the typical findings associated with TGA. Recognition of these imaging features is of the utmost importance for radiologists in order to allow for an accurate diagnosis and differentiation from ischaemic pathology.