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Magnetic resonance imaging of metronidazole induced encephalopathy

Rohana Naqi1, Muhammad Azeemuddin, Mirza Amanullah Beg

  • 1Department of Radiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. rohana.naqi@gmail.com

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|July 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging revealed symmetrical abnormalities in the dentate nuclei of the cerebellum, indicating Metronidazole (Flagyl) toxicity. Discontinuing the drug led to clinical improvement in this case.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antibiotic.
  • Neurological side effects can occur with metronidazole use.
  • Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is a key diagnostic tool in neurology.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with clinical signs suggestive of metronidazole toxicity.
  • Cerebral MR imaging was performed to investigate the neurological symptoms.

Findings:

  • MR imaging demonstrated bilateral symmetrical abnormal signal intensity within the dentate nuclei of the cerebellum.
  • These specific imaging findings were indicative of metronidazole toxicity.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the characteristic MR imaging findings associated with metronidazole toxicity.
  • Early recognition of these imaging biomarkers can aid in timely diagnosis and management.
  • Discontinuation of metronidazole resulted in clinical improvement, underscoring the importance of identifying drug-induced neurological conditions.

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