Subcortical hypointensity in partial status epilepticus associated with nonketotic hyperglycemia

Transient gray and white matter magnetic resonance signal changes have frequently been reported because of underlying epileptic activity. However, transient subcortical hypointensity on T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images in the setting of status epilepticus (SE) has rarely been reported. The authors note 3 of 6 retrospective cases with partial SE associated with nonketotic hyperglycemia showing transient subcortical T2 hypointensity near the epileptic focus. These changes may be due to the accumulation of free radicals and iron deposition related to a hyperglycemia-induced hypoxic-ischemic state.