Hypertensive encephalopathy: complication in children treated for myeloproliferative disorders--report of three cases

Radiology. 2000 Mar;214(3):711-6. doi: 10.1148/radiology.214.3.r00mr19711.

Abstract

We routinely perform echo-planar diffusion-weighted sequences in all brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies. When three children undergoing chemotherapy for acute leukemia presented with seizures, conventional MR images demonstrated what appeared to be acute, posterior, parasagittal infarcts. However, diffusion-weighted images were normal. These MR imaging findings were consistent with those of hypertensive encephalopathy. Early recognition and treatment of minimal hypertension in these patients allows reversal of encephalopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Brain Edema / chemically induced
  • Brain Edema / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypertensive Encephalopathy / chemically induced*
  • Hypertensive Encephalopathy / diagnosis
  • Image Enhancement
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Remission, Spontaneous