Cortical blindness after correction of symptomatic hyponatremia: dynamic cerebral dysfunction visualized using serial SPECT scanning.
A 70-yr-old woman developed cortical blindness after correction of hyponatremia. Regional hyperperfusion was noted on SPECT scans obtained in the acute phase. One month later when symptoms had largely resolved, a repeat examination was normal. This regional hyperperfusion, which was not associated with any apparent structural damage, may have represented either luxury perfusion or a transient increased metabolic requirement of the dysfunctional cortical area. SPECT scanning may be a useful method to study cerebral dysfunction resulting from an osmotic disturbance.
Hagerty
C
C
Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655, USA.
Licho
R
R
Recht
L
L
D000368:Aged; D001766:Blindness / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon