Open AccessMRI Findings in Acute Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy: Three Cases of Different Etiologies
Author(s) -
Elizabeth Reis,
Tim Coolen,
Valentina Lolli
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of the belgian society of radiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.232
H-Index - 24
ISSN - 2514-8281
DOI - 10.5334/jbsr.2017
Subject(s) - medicine , etiology , coma (optics) , encephalopathy , magnetic resonance imaging , brain edema , cerebral edema , hepatic encephalopathy , disease , radiology , pathology , cirrhosis , physics , optics
Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare but life-threatening condition that might complicate liver disease as well as non-hepatic conditions. It can lead to coma and death, secondary to brain edema and intracranial hypertension. We present three cases of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy of different etiologies and the observed brain MRI findings. Symmetrical extensive cortical signal abnormalities, typically involving the insular and cingulate cortices, often showing restricted diffusion, are commonly described. These specific imaging features should be recognized by the radiologist since prompt treatment of the condition is paramount.