Studying the evolution and the magnetic resonance findings of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy in children.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the evolution and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy (RLPS) in children.


METHODS
Nine children with neurologic symptoms and sudden increase of the arterial pressure were studied by brain MRI.


RESULTS
All children evaluated had lesions seen on FLAIR-weighted images of the parietal-occipital regions. Other regions were also involved. Four patients presented restriction on diffusion-weighted images and only two with reduction of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), which evolved with neurologic sequels and persistence of the lesions on the control examination. The other patients had complete regression of the lesions after therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI is important to suggest the diagnosis of RPLS in patients with arterial hypertension and unspecific neurologic symptoms. Moreover, the outcome is not favorable all the time and the association of D-WI with ADC can be an instrument capable of predicting irreversible lesions.
Ferraz-Filho
José Roberto
JR
Department of Radiology, Faculdade de Medicina Estadual de Rio Preto, Hospital de Base de São Jose do Rio Preto SP, Rua Brigadeiro Faria Lima 5544, 15090-000 São Jose do Rio Preto SP, Brazil. jrl.ferraz@terra.com.br
Rocha-Filho
José Alves
JA
Bichuette
Tatiana Fantin
TF
de Albuquerque
Regina Celia Ajeje P
RC
Sanchez
Rafael Angelo
RA
Souza
Antonio Soares
AS
D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013577:Syndrome