Characteristic magnetic resonance imaging for neurological assessment in HELLP syndrome with eclampsia: a case report

HELLP syndrome is a complication of pregnancy characterized by hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. We describe a patient who suffered a generalized tonic seizure as a clinical onset. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed high intensity lesions on T2-weighted images and low- and iso- intensity on T1-weighed images. The patient fully recovered and on follow-up MRI the abnormal lesions were almost totally resolved. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI is useful in distinguishing this complication of pregnancy from cerebral apoplexy, brain tumor, epilepsy and other causes.