Imaging of acute neurological conditions in pregnancy and the puerperium

Eclampsia is one of the most common acute neurological events occurring during pregnancy. However, there are many other conditions that can present during pregnancy and the puerperium and that may either mimic eclampsia or produce other acute neurological manifestations. Frequently the symptoms and signs are nonspecific, and it can be difficult to differentiate between these conditions on clinical grounds alone. Neuroradiotogical studies can provide valuable diagnostic information, and interventional radiological procedures may play a part in the subsequent management of these conditions. This review focuses on the imaging of acute neurological conditions which may be associated with, or present during, pregnancy and the puerperium. (c) 2005 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.