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Morphologic cerebral changes in patients undergoing dialysis for renal failure
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 1, 1983
Summary
Cranial computed tomography revealed brain atrophy and decreased cerebral parenchyma absorption after hemodialysis in most patients. Despite significant imaging changes, neurological symptoms remained mild.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hemodialysis can lead to fluid shifts and neurological complications.
- Cerebral changes following hemodialysis require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cranial computed tomographic (CT) findings in patients before and after hemodialysis.
- To assess long-term CT changes and correlate them with neurological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Cranial CT scans were performed on 22 patients pre- and post-hemodialysis.
- 11 patients underwent follow-up CT scans after 8 months.
- Cerebral parenchyma density was measured.
Main Results:
- Brain atrophy with widened cerebrospinal fluid spaces was observed in 11 patients.
- Decreased cerebral parenchyma absorption was noted in 73% of cases post-dialysis.
- Significant CT alterations correlated with only mild neurological symptoms or disequilibrium syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis can induce notable, yet often asymptomatic, changes in brain structure and density.
- CT findings may not always correlate with the severity of neurological presentation in hemodialysis patients.
- Long-term follow-up suggests stability of these CT-detected changes.