title: Diffusion-weighted imaging in acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings associated with chronic liver disease are characterized by cerebral atrophy and bilateral, symmetric hyperintensities of the globus pallidus on T1-weighted images without corresponding signal intensities in T2-weighted images. Recently, distinct MRI changes of acute hepatic encephalopathy have been described which may be misinterpreted given their resemblance to hypoxic-ischemic injury imaging changes as well as their limited description in the neurologic literature. We describe 3 cases of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy primarily characterized by restricted diffusion involving the insular and cingulate cortices and thalamus bilaterally.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Connecticut, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rosario
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: Pasquale F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Finelli
keywords: MRI; acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy; diffusion-weighted imaging; liver disease