Pediatric neurological emergencies

Abstract

7.1.17 Conclusion: Acute encephalopathy in childhood may vary in its presentation, aetiology and imaging compared with the adult population. Emergent neuroimaging, while often performed in order to exclude infection or neoplasia as a cause of acute neurological deterioration, may reveal imaging findings peculiar to a number of specific conditions. The radiologist may be the first to recognise and suggest conditions such as NAI or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopaenia as causes of encephalopathy. Specific imaging features in conditions such as ADEM, MELAS, hypertensive encephalopathy and venous sinus thrombosis may also contribute to diagnosis and management. The role of the radiologist in the early diagnosis of neonatal HIE is increasing with newer imaging methods such as MR spectroscopy and DWI, giving potential future benefits with neuroprotective measures. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.