Brain MRI in peripartum seizures: usefulness of combined T2 and diffusion weighted MR imaging

Abstract

Peripartum seizure is a serious disease with significant morbidity and mortality for women and their unborn children. The underlying etiologies are varied, with eclampsia and venous stroke being the most common causes. T2 weighted MR images of the brain show hyperintense lesions in either condition. Diffusion weighted MR images (DWI) of the brain is abnormal in strokes. We report three cases of eclampsia with abnormal T2 weighted images, but normal DWI. Diffusion weighted MR images in association with T2 weighted MR images can be extremely helpful in evaluation of women with new onset peripartum seizures.