title: Transient diffusion-weighted imaging changes in a patient with reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome.
abstract: A 66-year-old man developed a focal status epilepticus and left hemiparesis 4 days after an orthotopic liver transplantation and administration of FK 506. The magnetic resonance image revealed areas of increased signal on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) equally distributed to all vascular territories, most of which resolved completely within 2 weeks after discontinuation of FK 506. We conclude that DWI cannot reliably distinguish between reversible and irreversible lesions and that the presence of hyperintense lesions on DWI is not a definitive predictor of poor prognosis in reversible leukoencephalopathy patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Wartenberg
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Patsalides
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yepes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D010291:Paresis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013577:Syndrome; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus