Lateralization of Hypoglycemic Encephalopathy: Evidence of a Mechanism of Selective Vulnerability.
- Author:
Seung Hwan LEE
1
;
Chang Don KANG
;
Sam Soo KIM
;
Woo Suk TAE
;
Seo Young LEE
;
Sung Hun KIM
;
Sung Hye KOH
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: hypoglycemic encephalopathy; selective vulnerability; unilateral involvement; degree of metabolism
- MeSH: Anisotropy; Brain; Humans; Internal Capsule; Neurons; Regional Blood Flow; Stroke
- From:Journal of Clinical Neurology 2010;6(2):104-108
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the characteristics of hypoglycemic encephalopathy (HE) is selective vulnerability of different brain regions. CASE REPORT: We observed a patient with unilateral HE affecting the right internal capsule and the subcortical white matter. The patient had a preexisting stroke in the opposite hemisphere. The hemisphere that was affected by HE exhibited greater regional blood flow (single positron-emission tomography) and higher fractional anisotropy (diffusion-tensor imaging) than the unaffected hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that the degree of metabolism required to maintain the function of brain structures and neuronal integrity is an important factor determining the selective vulnerability in HE.
