Diffusion weighted MR imaging of acute Wernicke's encephalopathy

• Published in: European journal of radiology Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 256 - 258
• Main Authors: Chung, Tae-Ick, Kim, Joong-Seok, Park, Soung-Kyeong, Kim, Beum-Saeng, Ahn, Kook-Jin, Yang, Dong-Won
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.03.2003
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Adult; Brain - pathology; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; Female; Humans; Hyperemesis Gravidarum - complications; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - diagnosis; Vasogenic edema; Wernicke Encephalopathy - diagnosis; Wernicke Encephalopathy - etiology; Wernicke's encephalopathy; Vasogenic edema; Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging; Wernicke's encephalopathy
• ISSN: 0720-048X; 1872-7727
• DOI: 10.1016/S0720-048X(02)00009-8

We report a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy in which diffusion-weighted MR images demonstrated symmetrical hyperintense lesions in the paraventricular area of the third ventricles and medial thalami. Apparent diffusion coefficient mapping showed isointensity in the aforementioned areas. Diffusion-weighted MR images may provide evidence of vasogenic edema associated with thiamine deficiency, proven in the histopathology of experimental animals. In addition, diffusion-weighted MRI has many advantages over T2 or FLARE-weighted brain MRI in detecting structural and functional abnormalities in Wernicke's encephalopathy.