Localized reversible reduction of apparent diffusion coefficient in transient hypoglycemia-induced hemiparesis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The pathophysiology of hypoglycemia shares a common mechanism with cerebral ischemia, but so far, little is known regarding MRI of humans with hypoglycemia. METHODS We report a patient with left hemiparesis and dysarthria associated with a blood glucose level of 1.7 mmol/L. The patient recovered completely after glucose infusion. RESULTS The initial diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) showed increased signal intensities and a reduction of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values localized in the corpus callosum (splenium) and asymmetrically in the corona radiata. After 48 hours, follow-up revealed complete recovery of DWI and ADC signal abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first presentation of a case with transient hypoglycemia-induced focal neurological deficits revealing completely reversible MRI changes in terms of disturbed DWI and ADC with a peculiar as yet undescribed topography.