Computerized tomographic appearance of hypertensive encephalopathy.

The computerized tomographic scan in a case of hypertensive encephalopathy showed widespread areas of diminished density in the white matter, mainly in the upper and posterior parts of the hemispheres. The abnormalities resolved within three months of the institution of treatment. We suggest that the low-density areas are focal collections of edema fluid extravasated through ischemic segments of the vessel wall.