Diffusion imaging may predict reversible brain lesions in eclampsia and severe preeclampsia: initial experience.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of the evolutive course of brain edema and to establish its pathophysiologic presence in patients with eclampsia/severe preeclampsia.

Study Design: Seventeen patients with a clinical diagnosis of severe eclampsia/preeclampsia and T2 hyperintense brain lesions on routine magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated at hospital admission and 8 weeks later.

Results: Brain edema was reversible in 13 patients and irreversible in 4 patients, as indicated on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging.