Table 10

Neuroimaging patterns in encephalopathy caused by Susac's syndrome

ImagingPatterns
Susac's syndrome-related encephalopathy
 CTDoes not reveal any of the specific structural abnormalities, but can demonstrated foci of subtle low attenuation in the corpus callosum
 MRI

  • ▸ T2 and FLAIR hyperintensities in the corpus callosum, which is always involved

  • ▸ Any part of the corpus callosum can be involved, but predominately the central fibres are showing microinfarcts that are typically small but may sometimes be large

  • ▸ Foci in the corpus callosum may enhance following gadolinium administration and there can be restricted diffusion with corresponding low-signal intensity on the ADC map

  • ▸ Spinal cord involvement is rare but exists

  • ▸ Subsequently, central callosal holes arise

 PETMarked hypometabolism in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes—an unspecific pattern that can be mistaken as ADEM

  • ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; ADEM, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; FLAIR, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; PET, positron emission tomography.