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Transient focal lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum: MR imaging with an attempt to clinical-physiopathological explanation and review of the literature

Le lesioni focali transitorie dello splenio del corpo calloso: imaging RM e ipotesi eziopatogenetiche

  • Neuroradiology Neuroradiologia
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Abstract

Purpose

This article discusses the possible pathophysiological conditions responsible for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding of transient focal lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum on the basis of our experience and a review of the literature.

Materials and methods

In six patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) and MRI examinations, focal nonhemorrhagic lesions of the splenium of the corpus callosum were incidentally discovered. Patients had been referred for suspected encephalitis (n=2), dural sinus thrombosis (n=1) and multiple sclerosis (n=3). MRI examinations were repeated after 4, 8 and 12 weeks and in two cases also after 6 and 9 months. MRI and medical records were retrospectively reviewed with respect to patients’ clinical history, medication and laboratory findings to define lesion aetiology.

Results

In all patients, the lesions were isolated, reversible and with no contrast enhancement. In four patients, the lesion disappeared after complete remission of the underlying disease, whereas in two patients, they persisted for 6 and 9 months, respectively.

Conclusions

To our knowledge and according to previous reports, the fact that these lesions are detected in a relatively large number of conditions with heterogeneous etiopathogenetic factors leads to the hypothesis that a common underlying pathophysiological mechanism that, considering signal characteristic, reversibility and white matter location, could be represented by vasogenic oedema.

Riassunto

Obiettivi

Formulare delle ipotesi fisio-patogenetiche responsabili della comparsa all’imaging RM di lesioni focali transitorie nello splenio del corpo calloso, oltre che identificarne il significato e le eventuali correlazioni cliniche in base alla nostra esperienza e ai dati riportati finora in letteratura.

Materiali e metodi

In 6 pazienti sottoposti a indagini TC e RM sono state riscontrate incidentalmente lesioni focali non emorragiche, isolate, nel contesto dello splenio del corpo calloso. I pazienti giungevano alla nostra osservazione con sospetto clinico di patologia infettiva (2), trombotica (1), demielinizzante (3) dell’encefalo. In tutti i casi sono stati effettuati controlli RM seriati nel tempo a distanza di 4–8–12 settimane e in 2 pazienti anche dopo 6 e 9 mesi. Le immagini RM unitamente ai dati clinico-laboratoristici sono state analizzate retrospettivamente al fine di definire l’eziologia di tali lesioni.

Risultati

In tutti i pazienti le lesioni si sono rivelate focali, prive di enhancement dopo mezzo di contrasto (MdC) e reversibili. In 4 pazienti le lesioni sono scomparse dopo la remissione completa della patologia di base mentre in 2 le alterazioni sono persistite rispettivamente sino a 6 e 9 mesi.

Conclusioni

La spiegazione definitiva di tale reperto appare ancora controversa. Secondo la nostra esperienza e quella di altri autori, essendo il riscontro di tali lesioni comune a un ampio spettro di condizioni patologiche con fattori eziopatogenetici eterogenei, è ipotizzabile che attraverso un comune, complesso meccanismo fisiopatologico tali fattori possano creare squilibri responsabili della comparsa di edema vasogenico che si esprime in un’alterazione del segnale RM nello splenio del corpo calloso.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto di Scienze Radiologiche dell’Università di Sassari, Viale S. Pietro 10, I-07100, Sassari, Italy

    M. Conti, A. Salis, C. Urigo, L. Canalis, S. Frau & G. C. Canalis

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  1. M. Conti
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  2. A. Salis
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  3. C. Urigo
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  4. L. Canalis
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  5. S. Frau
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  6. G. C. Canalis
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Correspondence to M. Conti.

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Conti, M., Salis, A., Urigo, C. et al. Transient focal lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum: MR imaging with an attempt to clinical-physiopathological explanation and review of the literature. Radiol med 112, 921–935 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-007-0197-9

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