Correlation between Neuroimaging and Clinical Presentation in Eclampsia

Authors: Krishna Dahiya,   Mahesh Rathod,   Seema Rohilla, Pushpa Dahiya
Abstract

Eclampsia, the dramatic and life-threatening complication of preeclampsia, is characterized by convulsion or coma not attributable to any organic neurological disease. This study was aimed to assess the utility of MRI by correlation of clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings in patients with antepartum and post-partum eclampsia so as to initiate the proper management. The objectives of the present study were to correlate the neuroimaging (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) findings and clinical presentation in patients with eclampsia. This one year prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PT.B.D.Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak. A total of 50 women with a diagnosis of eclampsia (both antepartum and postpartum) were included in the study. MR Imaging was done in all cases. Twelve (24%) patients had findings on MRI and no abnormality detected in 38 (76%) patients.  Accordingly, the study was divided into two groups, study group in which patients had findings on MRI and compared with control group in which patients had no findings on MRI. In this study MRI revealed normal findings in 76% of the women. In those with abnormal MRI findings the commonest diagnosis was cerebral venous thrombosis with infarct (10%) followed by infarct (8%), Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (4%), hypertensive leucoencephalopathy (2%). The commonest neurological presentation in patients with CVT with infarct was headache (65.22%), followed by unconsciousness (47.83%).

Keywords

Neuroimaging, Eclampsia, hypertensive leucoencephalopathy, MRI, post-partum, Fundoscop

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Correlation between Neuroimaging and Clinical Presentation in Eclampsia