[Reversible changes in magnetic resonance images in two cases of complex partial status epilepticus]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is the imaging method of choice for studying epilepsy, particularly when the focus is in the temporal lobe. MR is useful for diagnosing many pathological anomalies in this site; nevertheless, transient alterations that can mimic structural lesions are sometimes observed. We describe 2 patients in complex partial status epilepticus with MR alterations in the temporal lobe signals, on the left in one case and on the right in the other. After symptoms subsided and electroencephalographic alterations disappeared, new MR showed the disappearance of the changes in both patients. Transient changes of MR in epileptic patients may be a product of local blood flow disruption of the hematoencephalic barrier or local edema during seizure. Awareness of such transient changes can reduce the number of unnecessary diagnostic procedures and/or aggressive treatments.