Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were analyzed in two patients with hypertensive encephalopathy. MRI demonstrated focal cortical and subcortical lesions of hyperintense T 2 signal and hypointense Tl signal lesions with diffuse brain swelling. Focal lesions were hardly explained by involvements of major arterial supplies. There were no neurological focal signs suggesting dysfunctions in the abnormal areas of MRI. These MRI studies further support the hypothesis that hypertensive encephalopathy is induced by vasogenic edema during breakthrough of cerebral autoregulation. Prompt diagnosis and reduction of blood pressure are key points for improving the clinical condition. MRI better defines the cerebral involvements in detail and would help proper diagnosis and therapeutic decision
