[Toxic changes of the central nervous system].

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Toxic agents can induce white matter brain changes, resulting in leukoencephalopathies.
• These changes may manifest as signal alterations in white matter, with or without diffusion restriction.
• Leukoencephalopathies resulting from toxic exposure can be either reversible or irreversible.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the causes, clinical presentations, and imaging findings of toxic leukoencephalopathies.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing these conditions for timely intervention.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on toxic leukoencephalopathies.
• Analysis of imaging characteristics associated with various toxic insults to the brain's white matter.

Main Results:

• Toxic leukoencephalopathies present with diverse white matter signal abnormalities on neuroimaging.
• Differential diagnoses for toxic leukoencephalopathies are extensive.
• The reversibility of white matter lesions depends on the specific toxic agent and duration of exposure.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with the causes and imaging manifestations of toxic leukoencephalopathies is essential for radiologists.
• Early identification and treatment of toxic leukoencephalopathies can significantly improve prognosis.