Magnetic resonance image-reversible findings in a patient with general paresis

Abstract

Material and methods: We describe clinical, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a patient with general paresis. MRI demonstrated cortical-subcortical atrophy and broad-coalescent high-intensity T2 lesions in right frontotemporal lobes.

Results: After intravenous penicillin therapy, the size of these lesions diminished dramatically. That regression correlated with improvement in neuropsychologic test and CSF analysis.

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of MRI-reversible lesions in a patient with general paresis. We suggest that MRI is of prognostic value in patients with general paresis. Severe atrophy, especially in the temporal lobe, could be a marker of bad clinical outcome.