Computer analysis of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in children and adolescents after treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis

Cerebral vascular accidents are one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. We investigated the possible occurrence of asymptomatic cerebrovascular infarcts and the course of subclinical brain edema in six patients. Neurologic examinations and computer analysis of magnetic resonance imaging were performed immediately after, and again at 14 days after, correction of DKA. None of the patients had clinical evidence of a neurologic deficit. Neither radiologic evaluation nor computer analysis of MRI identified changes indicating asymptomatic ischemic events. However, a computer analysis of the MRI identified a significant increase of the total ventricle area between Day one and Day 14. Our study does not establish whether this change is a return to the baseline prior to DKA or a new baseline, representing an early manifestation of diabetic encephalopathy. (Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications 13;4:176-181, 1999.) (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.