Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging in eclampsia: a series of 12 cases

Abstract

The object of this study was to assess the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect the cerebral abnormalities associated with eclampsia and therefore to establish its place in our management of the condition. This study was of particular relevance to our institution because eclampsia is common in our patient population. This was a prospective study in which 13 patients with an initial diagnosis of eclampsia received MRI brain scans. Of 12 patients with a final diagnosis of eclampsia, seven (58.3%) showed the typical MRI changes of eclampsia, namely cerebral hyperintensities representing focal areas of oedema. In five patients (41.6%) the scans were normal. The rate of abnormality detection was surprisingly low. We conclude that the reason for this was the time delay in obtaining the scans. The cerebral changes in eclampsia can be rapidly reversible. Future studies must aim to perform MRI within 48 hours of seizure activity. MRI is more sensitive than computed tomography scanning but has no practical advantages over computed tomography except where the diagnosis is in doubt.