Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of a severe heat stroke patient complicated with severe cerebellar ataxia

Intern Med. 2009;48(12):1105-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.2030. Epub 2009 Jun 15.

Abstract

A 78-year-old woman was admitted for severe heat stroke with brain damage. She was unconscious on arrival at the emergency room. Her armpit temperature was 42.0 degrees C and blood pressure was 76/25 mmHg. She was rapidly cooled and given intensive treatment. On magnetic resonance imaging, T1- and T2-weighted images showed no significant signals, but diffusion-weighted images demonstrated localized symmetrical injuries of the cerebellum and thalami. She gradually became conscious, but severe cerebellar ataxia persisted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / etiology*
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Female
  • Heat Stroke / complications*
  • Heat Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Heat Stroke / pathology
  • Humans
  • Thalamic Nuclei / pathology