MR imaging of Wilson's disease: contrast enhancement of the cerebral cortex, and corticomedullary junction.

A patient with Wilson's disease is reported whose brain MR imaging study disclosed enhancement of the cerebral cortex, and corticomedullary junction after administration of contrast medium, in the absence of a clinically detectable ischemic condition. It is difficult to explain such contrast enhancement. However, we would suggest that a "vasculitis" secondary to accumulation of copper in the walls of the small vessels may be the causative factor. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical and radiological significance of contrast enhancement of the cerebral cortex and corticomedullary junction on MR images in patients with Wilson's disease.