MRI Findings in Acute Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy: Three Cases of Different Etiologies
Open Access
- 30 January 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Ubiquity Press, Ltd. in Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology
- Vol. 104 (1) , 9
Abstract
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.Keywords
This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit:
- Disseminated Ureaplasma infection as a cause of fatal hyperammonemia in humansScience Translational Medicine, 2015
- Extensive Cortical Diffusion Restriction in a 50-Year-Old Female with Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy and Status EpilepticusCase Reports in Neurological Medicine, 2014
- Cerebral effects of ammonia in liver disease: current hypothesesMetabolic Brain Disease, 2014
- Acute Liver FailureNew England Journal of Medicine, 2013
- Pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy and brain edema in acute liver failure: Role of glutamine redefinedNeurochemistry International, 2012
- Acute Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy in Adults: Imaging FindingsAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology, 2010
- Mechanisms, diagnosis and management of hepatic encephalopathyNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2010
- Cranial MRI in Acute Hyperammonemic EncephalopathyPediatric Neurology, 2009
- Acute Toxic Leukoencephalopathy: Potential for Reversibility Clinically and on MRI With Diffusion-Weighted and FLAIR ImagingAmerican Journal of Roentgenology, 2009
- Interorgan ammonia trafficking in liver diseaseMetabolic Brain Disease, 2008