CT and angiographic correlation of severe neurological disease in toxemia of pregnancy.

Two patients with severe cerebral symptoms of toxemia of pregnancy were examined using computed tomography (CT) and angiography. CT disclosed extensive areas of low attenuation within the cerebral hemispheres. Angiography revealed constriction and narrowing of proximal and peripheral vessels suggesting vasculitis with extensive areas of impaired regional cerebral blood flow. A review of the known pathology and the theories regarding the pathophysiology of the cerebral effects of toxemia is presented.