J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2006 Dec;24(6):622-624.

Reversible Pontine MRI Lesion in Acute Thalamic Infarct: Reversible Encephalopathy due to Hypertension?

• Yang HD
• Kang SW
• Cheong JS
• Lee SI
• Son IH
• Kim HJ

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with hypertension rarely presents with predominant involvement of the brainstem and is relative sparing of the supratentorial regions. A relative paucity of brainstem signs and symptoms, despite extensive neuroimaging abnormalities therein, support the diagnosis. Although elevation of blood pressure is common in acute cerebral infarction, concomitant brainstem edema has not been reported. We describe here the clinical and neuroimaging features of an unusual brainstem hyperintensity associated with acute ischemic stroke. The neuroimaging abnormalities improved after stabilization of blood pressure, distinguishing this syndrome from brainstem infarction.

Keyword

Posterior reversible hypertensive encephalopathy; Reversible pontine edema; Acute ischemic stroke

MeSH Terms

Blood Pressure
Brain Stem
Brain Stem Infarctions
Cerebral Infarction
Diagnosis
Edema
Hypertension*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Neuroimaging
Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome
Stroke