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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Simultaneous PET/MRI Imaging During Mouse Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: September 20, 2015
Reversible splenium diffusion weighted MRI changes associated with hypoglycemia
1University Hospital of Pointe-à-Pitre/CHU de Pointe-à-Pitre, Neurology Unit, Route de Chauvel 97139 Abymes, France.
Abstract:
Hypoglycemia can manifest as a stroke. MRI diffusion-weighted imaging is the most useful technique in diagnosing early ischemic injury. We report two cases of transient MRI lesions of the splenium of the corpus callosum related to hypoglycemia. Clinicians must be aware of such cases to avoid misdiagnosis.
Insights
Hypoglycemia can mimic stroke symptoms. Transient MRI lesions in the corpus callosum splenium are linked to low blood sugar, requiring clinical awareness to prevent misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can present with neurological deficits that mimic cerebrovascular events.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for detecting early ischemic changes in the brain.
Observation:
- Two distinct cases are presented where patients exhibited transient lesions.
- These lesions were specifically located in the splenium of the corpus callosum.
- The MRI findings were directly correlated with episodes of hypoglycemia.
Findings:
- The study identified a specific pattern of transient MRI lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum.
- These reversible lesions were associated with severe hypoglycemia.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging effectively visualized these transient abnormalities.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider hypoglycemia in the differential diagnosis of stroke-like presentations.
- Awareness of these transient MRI findings can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.
- This highlights the importance of metabolic screening in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and specific MRI findings.
