MRI in acute hemiplegia of childhood.
OBJECTIVE
Acute hemiplegia in childhood is rare, the underlying etiology frequently obscured and the pathological site unidentified.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 T Magnetom) was performed in two cases with hemiplegia followed by repeated studies at 3 and 16 months, respectively, after the initial examinations, including CT and angiography, were negative.


RESULTS
MRI demonstrated otherwise occult lesions in the brain stem and showed the subsequent partial resolution consistent with infarction.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI should be employed in those children with acute hemiplegia in whom no underlying cause is elicited.
Connolly
B
B
Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
King
M D
MD
Stack
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male