Affiliations: Department of Pediatric Radiology, Institute of
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena,
Germany | Department of Pediatrics,
Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany | Medical Physic Group, Institute of Diagnostic and
Interventional Radiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany
Note: [] Correspondence: Hans-Joachim Mentzel, M.D., Department of
Pediatric Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology,
Friedrich-Schiller-University, Bachstraße 18, 07740 Jena, Germany. Tel.:
+49 3641 9324801; Fax: +49 3641 936767; E-mail:
hans-joachim.mentzel@med.uni-jena.de
Abstract: We describe changes in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and
fractional anisotropy (FA) in tacrolimus associated encephalopathy. ADC was
clearly increased and FA decreased in the involved regions. There was a strong
local contrast-enhancing effect along the cortical surface. Repeat magnetic
resonance imaging five days later showed an increase in FA; but no contrast
enhancement. The observed ADC and FA changes in the acute phase suggest that
vasogenic edema may play a pivotal role in tacrolimus induced neurotoxicity.
The contrast-effect can be explained by disturbed venous drainage caused by
thrombotic microangiopathy.
