Magnetic resonance imaging in metronidazole induced reversible encephalopathy

Abstract

Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole derivative antibiotic, commonly used against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria, considered relatively safe at usual doses. Metronidazole induced encephalopathy (MIE) is a rare adverse effect at high doses, the incidence of which is unknown. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful modality in detecting these lesions very well. The lesions in MIE are always symmetrical and are reversible after 4–6 weeks of discontinuation of metronidazole. In this article, we describe MRI in a patient of MIE, which was found to be reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.

Keywords

• Magnetic resonance imaging
• metronidazole
• metronidazole induced encephalopathy