Reversible MRI changes in a patient with uremic encephalopathy

A 19-year-old patient on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis experienced severe neurologic disturbances caused by uremia. Increased signal intensit y was seen bilaterally in the cortical and subcortical areas of the occipit al and parietal lobe on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Insuffici ent peritoneal dialysis efficacy was documented and the patient was switche d from peritoneal to hemodialysis. Cranial MRI indicated a marked regressio n of the lesions to nearly normal, confirming the diagnosis of uremic encep halopathy.