A long‐term follow‐up study of serial magnetic resonance images in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning

Abstract

Serial magnetic resonance (MK) image\ were obtained for 18 months in the follow-up of a p'itient with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. T h e characteristic findings on T2-weighted MK images (T2WI) were high intensity in the bilateral periventricular white ni'itter and pallidal regions, and low intensity in the striatuiii. Although the neurological symptoms had improved by about 5 months after exposure, the high signal intensity iri the white matter remained visible for 18 months. In addition, low signal intensity in the putamen seen on T2W1, which suggested iron deposition, was seen throughout the 18 months.

White Matter Damage in Carbon Monoxide Intoxication Assessed in Vivo Using Diffusion Tensor MR Imaging

“…However, this feature is not pathognomonic, and images are variable on conventional MR imaging after CO poisoning. 25,26 The relationship between delayed sequelae and imaging findings was ambiguous. In previous studies, researchers focused only on changes in signal intensity or water diffusivity in lesions or in the periventricular WM.…”

Carbon monoxide intoxication: An updated review

“…Long-term (25 years) after CO exposure, MRI has demonstrated symmetrical globus pallidus and white matter changes in most patients. Temporal, parietal and occipital lobes are usually affected with asymmetrical cortical and subcortical lesions [49,50].…”

Verzögerte Kohlenmonoxidenzephalopathie

“…Häufig werden bilateral symmetrische Veränderungen der weißen Substanz mit Schwerpunkt im Bereich des Centrum semiovale und periventrikulär ersichtlich [37]. Ihr Ausmaß und die Lokalisation können stark variieren und scheinen mit dem Ausmaß von neurokognitiven Spätkomplikationen zu korrelieren [24,38,39]. Aus der Korrelation mit dem zeitlichen Verlauf und parallel zu den Befunden anderer v. a. chronisch entzündlicher ZNS-Erkrankungen wird als Ursache für die Läsionen der weißen Substanz eine Demyelinisierung angenommen.…”