MRI of the brain in postpartum convulsions; pose diagnostic dilemmas

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the role of MRI of the brain in women with postpartum convulsions and correlate them with clinical data. Patients and MethodsIn a prospective study, a total of 96 patients with postpartum convulsions were delivered between January 2012 and March 2016. All patients were referred from Ob-Gyn department to radiology department for MRI evaluation of the brain. They were included after meeting the inclusion criteria which depends on the clinical data. MRI findings were collected and classified according to final diagnosis. ResultsMRI examination of the brain was positive in 56 patients (56.2%) out of 96 patients who presented with postpartum convulsions. Dural sinus thrombosis was the commonest finding; it was detected in 19 patients. Posterior reversible encephalopathy was encountered in 18 patients. Intra cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage were encountered in 10 and 6 patients respectively. Only one patient had pituitary apoplexy, one had carotid aneurysm and one had glioma. The remaining 40 patients had negative MRI. ConclusionPost partum convulsion is a serious condition and may be caused by delayed eclampsia or other pathological condition. MRI can help solving this problem if clinical data was unreliable.