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Neuroimaging Features of High-Altitude Cerebral Edema: A Case Report
Swapnil M Dhok1, Anant R Gudipati2, Subhash Kaul3
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Neurology India
|January 4, 2024
Summary
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) can cause memory loss in climbers. This case shows HACE resolving with persistent brain microhemorrhages, highlighting rare radiological findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Altitude Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a severe, potentially fatal condition affecting unacclimatized individuals at high altitudes.
- Mountain climbing poses risks, including neurological complications like HACE.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old male climber presented with memory impairment after a recent high-altitude expedition.
- Radiological imaging revealed edema and microhemorrhages in the corpus callosum's genu and splenium.
Findings:
- Complete resolution of cerebral edema was observed two months post-incident.
- Microhemorrhages in the corpus callosum persisted despite edema resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the distinct radiological evolution of HACE.
- The rarity and underreporting of HACE are partly due to limited advanced imaging availability at high altitudes.
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