Reversible MRI findings of porphyric encephalopathy. A report of two cases

A Soysal1, P Dogan, C Dayan

  • 1Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery; Istanbul, Turkey - ayssoysal@gmail.com.

The Neuroradiology Journal
|November 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed reversible brain lesions in patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). These findings correlated with neuropsychiatric symptoms and abdominal pain, suggesting vasospasm as a cause.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare genetic disorder.
  • AIP can manifest with severe neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
  • Abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom of AIP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP).
  • To investigate the potential cause of cerebral symptoms and MRI abnormalities in AIP.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of two patients with AIP.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate brain abnormalities.
  • Clinical symptoms and MRI findings were monitored during treatment.

Main Results:

  • MRI revealed multiple, transient brain lesions in both patients.
  • Lesions regressed following treatment for AIP.
  • Cerebral symptoms and abdominal pain improved with treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Reversible cerebral vasospasm is a likely cause of MRI abnormalities in AIP.
  • MRI findings can help diagnose and monitor AIP-related neurological complications.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of AIP are crucial for managing neurological symptoms.