E1289. Toxic Metabolic Encephalopathies: A Review for the Practicing Radiologist
Authors
Naftali Stern;
New York Medical College
Dimitra Landis;
Westchester Medical Center
Sirajul Islam;
New York Medical College
Ezriel Kroen;
New York Medical College
Terry Nguyen;
New York Medical College
Mayer Rubin;
Westchester Medical Center
Edwin Gulko;
New York Medical College; Westchester Medical Center
Background
The clinical presentation of encephalopathies are varied and pose diagnostic challenges for clinicians. Multiple encephalopathies are caused by toxic and metabolic insults, some of which may have distinct imaging features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Working in collaboration with referring clinicians, the radiologist can provide clarity to the patient’s presentation by recognizing the MRI features of various toxic and metabolic encephalopathies. In this review, we aim to present CT and MRI brain examples of various metabolic and toxic encephalopathies that can serve as a primer for the practicing radiologist.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Describe different toxic and metabolic encephalopathies. Review imaging features of various toxic-metabolic encephalopathies.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
We aim to provide brain CT and MRI examples of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), Wernicke encephalopathy, methanol toxicity, hypoglycemia, and drug-related encephalopathies, among others.
Conclusion
Many toxic-metabolic causes of encephalopathy have recognizable imaging features, and firm understanding of these imaging features will aid the radiologist in providing prompt and accurate diagnoses.