Cerebral imaging in eclampsia: magnetic resonance imaging versus computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
Our objectives were to study the cerebral pathophysiology of eclampsia with the noninvasive technique of magnetic resonance imaging to compare the ability of magnetic resonance imaging to detect cerebral abnormalities in eclampsia with that of computed tomography.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients with eclampsia received both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scanning.


RESULTS
Forty-six percent of the magnetic resonance imaging was abnormal and 33% of the computed tomography was abnormal. This higher incidence of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging scans was present in spite of the fact that they were obtained significantly longer after the patient's seizure activity. The most common abnormalities were cortisol, subcortical, and white matter edema.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic scan abnormalities in eclampsia are usually similar. Cerebral imaging is not necessary in patients with uncomplicated eclampsia.
Dahmus
M A
MA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis.
Barton
J R
JR
Sibai
B M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D004461:Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed