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Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: diffusion-weighted imaging and pathological correlations

  • Diagnostic Neuroradiology
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Abstract

We examined MRI of two patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), with calculation of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC). The pathology findings of one patient were compared with those of MRI. The lesions had different ADC and DWI appearances, depending on the stage of the disease. Newer lesions and the advancing edge of large lesions had normal-to-low ADC and gave high signal on DWI. Older lesions and the centre of large lesions had increased ADC and gave low signal. High signal on DWI and low ADC mark the regions of active infection and cell swelling, distinguishing them from areas of reparative gliosis.

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Fig. 1a, b
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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroradiology, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy

    M. Bergui, G. B. Bradac & A. Boghi

  2. Department of Radiology, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey

    K. K. Oguz

  3. Chivasso General Hospital, Torino, Italy

    C. Geda & G. Gatti

  4. Department of Neuropathology, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy

    D. Schiffer

Authors
  1. M. Bergui
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  2. G. B. Bradac
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  3. K. K. Oguz
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  4. A. Boghi
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  5. C. Geda
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  6. G. Gatti
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  7. D. Schiffer
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Bergui.

Additional information

Presented in part at the XVII Symposium Neuroradiologicum, Paris, August 2002

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Bergui, M., Bradac, G.B., Oguz, K.K. et al. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: diffusion-weighted imaging and pathological correlations. Neuroradiology 46, 22–25 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-003-1115-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-003-1115-9

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