Our study confirms the diagnostic value of brain MRI in supporting the clinical suspicion of CFE.

In particular, when compared to the normal findings on CT of the skull in all patients under investigation, non-contrast MRI has proven to be an indispensable diagnostic tool. It enables the identification of key imaging features, including proton diffusivity restriction, vasogenic edema, and hemorrhagic petechiae, all of which are essential for the diagnosis of CFE.

Moreover, the observation of cytotoxic edema and the mismatch between DWI and FLAIR sequences, noted in 29% of cases, highlights the dynamic nature of the disease. This mismatch is indicative of the acute stages of cytotoxic edema, emphasizing the role of MRI in the early diagnosis of the condition and in monitoring the progression of the pathology across its subacute and chronic stages.

In addition, the correlation between CFE and limb fractures is confirmed, as all patients in this study presented with lower limb fractures, and a significant proportion also exhibited upper limb fractures.