Reversible diffusion MRI abnormalities and transient mutism after liver transplantation

Neurology. 2004 Mar 23;62(6):981-3. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000115394.90984.fd.

Abstract

Transient mutism was observed in a liver transplant patient under immunosuppressant therapy with cyclosporine A and antifungal prophylaxis with amphotericin B. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted images revealed reversible bilateral symmetric hyperintensity located in the frontal motor cortex and corticospinal tracts. These MRI abnormalities may be caused by acute edema, possibly a combination of cytotoxic and vasogenic edema, which resolved with a prompt change in therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Frontal Lobe / pathology*
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Liver Cirrhosis / surgery
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutism / diagnosis*
  • Mutism / etiology
  • Pyramidal Tracts / pathology*
  • Recovery of Function

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents