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Updated: May 7, 2026
Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: September 20, 2015
An early MRI change following reversible hypoxic brain injury. A case report
N Ishige1, T Numata, M Shibuya
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization, Chiba Medical Center; Chiba, Japan - ishige@nho-chiba.hosp.go.jp.
Abstract:
We describe a patient who suffered reversible hypoxic brain injury. The initial MRI taken 3.5 hours after asphyxiation showed an abnormal lesion on DWI, but he recovered completely from coma. The presence of cytotoxic edema in the acute stage may not necessarily indicate a poor prognosis.
Insights
Hypoxic brain injury can be reversible. Early MRI findings of cytotoxic edema do not always predict a poor prognosis, as shown in a patient who fully recovered from coma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Hypoxic brain injury (HBI) is a critical condition often associated with poor neurological outcomes.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is crucial for early detection of ischemic brain injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of reversible hypoxic brain injury.
- To investigate the prognostic value of acute cytotoxic edema on DWI in HBI.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with HBI following asphyxiation.
- Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) including DWI.
Main Results:
- Initial MRI at 3.5 hours post-asphyxiation revealed abnormal DWI lesions.
- The patient experienced complete recovery from coma despite initial imaging findings.
- Reversibility of neurological deficits was observed.
Conclusions:
- Acute cytotoxic edema on DWI in the context of HBI may not invariably indicate a permanent poor neurological outcome.
- Complete neurological recovery is possible even with early DWI abnormalities.
- This case highlights the potential for reversibility in HBI and challenges the definitive prognostic implications of early cytotoxic edema.
