Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Acute Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy: Six Case Reports

Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare but serious condition that complicates chronic or acute liver diseases as well as nonhepatic causes such as drugs or bacterial infections. High ammonia levels can cause cerebral edema, altered state of consciousness, seizure, coma, or death. Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy diagnosis frequently depends on the clinical findings. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have gained importance in diagnosis. The insula, diffuse cerebral cortex, cingulate cortex, and thalamus are the most common sites of acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy. In this study, we discuss the MRI findings of six cases with acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy caused by different etiologies in light of the literature.

Keywords: Hyperammonemia; Encephalopathy; Magnetic resonance imaging