Transient blindness due to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following ephedra overdose

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), also known as reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), is most often associated with hypertensive emergencies and is characterized by seizures, mental status changes and visual disturbances. We report a case of a previously healthy young man who developed multiorgan failure and transient cortical blindness following ingestion of a performance-enhancing ephedra-based supplement. Neuroimaging findings confirmed the clinical suspicion of PRES. Radiographic abnormalities and neurologic dysfunction subsequently resolved with correction of his systolic blood pressure. This case emphasizes the need for prompt treatment and consideration of toxic ingestions in patients presenting with hypertension-related end-organ dysfunction.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. Radiological features typically include edema of the posterior cerebral regions, especially of the parietooccipital lobes. Atypical imaging features, such as involvement of anterior cerebral regions, deep white matter, and the brain stem are also frequently seen. Vasoconstriction is common in vascular imaging. Different conditions have been associated with PRES, but toxemia of pregnancy, solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, immunosuppressive treatment, cancer chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension are most commonly described. The pathophysiology of PRES is unclear and different hypotheses are being discussed. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is best managed by monitoring and treatment in the setting of a neurointensive care unit. The prognosis is usually benign with complete reversal of clinical symptoms within several days, when adequate treatment is immediately initiated. Treatment of severe hypertension, seizures, and withdrawal of causative agents represent the hallmarks of specific therapy in PRES. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. Therefore, awareness of PRES is of crucial importance for the intensivist.     

Blood transfusion‐induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome presenting severe brain atrophy: A report of two cases

Several cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) after blood transfusion have been reported, but the long‐term prognosis is unknown. Here, we report two cases of blood transfusion‐associated PRES with severe brain atrophy at 1 year after onset. We report the case with a discussion of pathological mechanisms.     

脑后部可逆性脑病综合征与MELAS的磁共振特征对照研究

目的对脑后部可逆性脑病综合征(PRES)的磁共振特征进行分析并与线粒体脑肌病伴高乳酸血症和卒中样发作综合征(MELAS)进行对照,以进行诊断与鉴别诊断。方法收集21例PRES和6例MELAS患者,所有患者均行磁共振检查,回顾性分析和比较它们在MRI上的影像特征(发病部位,信号强度,功能成像特点等)。结果 21例PRES病灶主要位于皮质下白质区,13例同时累及皮质;6例MELAS病灶位于皮质及皮质下白质。DWI上,19例PRES患者病变表现为稍低信号;MELAS综合症患者,急性期病变为高信号,缓解期为等信号。2例PRES表现为局部脑血流量(CBF)减低;2例MELAS局部CBF轻度增高。结论详细的磁共振检查和分析有助于PRES和MELAS的鉴别。     

A PRESing case of visual changes and confusion

Visual disturbances are an uncommon pediatric chief complaint. Usually, after a complete ocular exam including visual acuity, most causes are benign and not life-threatening. Children with abnormal visual complaints who have underlying medical conditions, such as SLE or other autoimmune conditions, a recipient of a transplant, renal disease, and even eclampsia require closer scrutiny. We report a 10-year-old female with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by hypertension and cardiomyopathy secondary to lupus who presented to the emergency department with a history of vision loss and headache. Head computer tomography demonstrated findings of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). PRES is a clinical disease associated with cranial radiological findings of heterogenous etiologies that is often reversible. Prompt recognition and treatment are important in preventing permanent damage, long term morbidity and even death.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in critically ill obstetric patients

Objective To describe clinical, neuroradiological and evolutionary findings in obstetric patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).Design Retrospective case series.Setting University intensive care unit (ICU).Patients Four critically ill patients. Two patients experienced PRES in late postpartum without the classical pre-eclamptic signs. All patients showed impairment of consciousness and epileptic seizures; two of them presented cortical blindness and headache, too. True status epilepticus (SE) occurred in two cases. In all patients MRI showed the typical feature of gray-white matter edema, mainly localized to the temporo-parieto-occipital areas.Interventions Normalization of high blood pressure (BP) and treatment of seizures. Two patients with SE and severe impairment of consciousness were treated with an intravenous valproate (ivVPA) bolus followed by continuous infusion.Measurements and results In three cases, neurological and MRI abnormalities completely resolved in about a week. Another patient died due to subarachnoid hemorrhage.Conclusion Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a well described clinical and neuroradiological syndrome characterized by headache, altered mental status, cortical blindness and seizures, and a diagnostic MRI picture; usually reversible, PRES can sometimes result in death or in irreversible neurological deficits, thus requiring early diagnosis and prompt treatment. PRES can have various etiologies, but pregnancy and postpartum more frequently lead to this condition. Treatment of seizures deserves special attention since the anti-epileptic drugs currently used in SE management may worsen vigilance as well as autonomic functions. Extensive research is needed to assess the role of ivVPA in this condition.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a case study

OVERVIEW: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurologic disorder characterized by an acute increase in blood pressure, and by headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual loss. It is usually seen on computed tomographic scans as white-matter vasogenic edema predominantly affecting the posterior occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. Risk factors include malignant hypertension, eclampsia, medications such as immunosuppressants (including tacrolimus and cyclosporine), chemotherapy, biotherapy, and renal failure. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of PRES, particularly identifying and treating high blood pressure, can prevent permanent neurologic disability.     

PRES following administration of DHE in a patient with unsuspected pheochromocytoma

We describe neurological complications which manifested after a patient with unsuspected pheochromocytoma was administered dihydroergotamine. Following administration of dihydroergotamine, the patient developed Balint syndrome, with the appearance of symmetric, bilateral occipital signal change on magnetic resonance imaging suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.     

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome presenting as subarachnoid hemorrhage: A rare cause of postpartum seizure

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder affecting large- and medium-sized arteries, occurring most commonly in young women. Thunderclap headache is the usual primary symptom; seizure is uncommon. During the postpartum period, seizure is a significant concern. The main causes of postpartum seizures are posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and cortical venous thrombosis; RCVS-related postpartum seizure is rare. Despite its rarity, its course may be fulminant, resulting in permanent disability or death if the diagnosis is delayed and treatment is not started promptly. We report an unusual case of RCVS presenting as a subarachnoid hemorrhage in a 31-year-old woman admitted for postpartum seizure.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a case study.

A young woman 4 days postpartum was admitted after experiencing two seizures. Her mentation waxed and waned until, after several hours, staff were unable to arouse her with voice or touch. A computed tomography scan demonstrated considerable white-matter edema. The patient's condition declined to a coma. She remained comatose despite therapeutic interventions to control increased intracranial pressure. To her family, her condition was a source of anguish. To the physicians and nurses, she was a puzzle. The final diagnosis was posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, which was related to a preeclamptic condition and its associated hypertension. The collaboration of obstetricians and neurologists with vigilant care by neuroscience nurses resulted in a positive outcome for this challenging patient.     

后脑可逆性脑病综合征的护理对策

目的探讨后脑可逆性脑病综合征患者的护理对策。方法回顾性分析3例后脑可逆性脑病综合征患者的临床资料和治疗、护理措施。结果3例患者经过治疗和护理2周后均好转出院，随访未见复发或加重。结论后脑可逆性脑病综合征是以血压升高、头痛、痫性发作、视力损害为主要表现的临床综合征。在护理上注意病情观察，加强对症护理、心理护理、健康教育等，有利于促进患者康复。     

Intracranial hypotension and PRES: case report

We report a case of a woman presenting, 7 days after epidural analgesia for a caesarean section, to the emergency room for a worsening of the headache and tonico-clonic seizures. MRI showed alterations suggestive of the presence of intracranial hypotension (IH) as well as evidence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). She was treated with a blood patch which leads to the prompt regression of the clinical symptoms and follow-up MRI, after 15 days, showed complete resolution of radiological alterations. The possible pathogenetic relationship between IH, secondary to the inadvertent dural puncture, and PRES is discussed. We suggest that venous stagnation and hydrostatic edema, secondary to intracranial hypotension, probably played a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PRES.     

Methotrexate-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is described clinically as an acute neurologic deterioration characterized by headache, change in mental status and seizures. Although the mechanism(s) for this syndrome is not fully understood, PRES results from vasogenic edema in areas of the brain supplied by the posterior circulation. Methotrexate (MTX)-induced neurotoxicity is a well-known complication of therapy in the paediatric population but is uncommon in adults. DETAILS OF THE CASE: We describe a 55-year-old woman with an acute presentation of PRES caused by intrathecal MTX given as part of a treatment regimen for diffuse large B-cell type lymphoma. Both clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities resolved 5 days after cessation of treatment. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We describe what we believe to be the first report of intrathecal MTX-induced PRES in an adult. Clinicians should include MTX-induced PRES in the differential diagnosis of acute neurologic changes in patients receiving this medication. The incidence of MTX-induced neurotoxicity may be under recognized in adults.     

How atypical can Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome be?

A 24‐year‐old man with diarrhea found to have acute renal failure with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA). A diagnosis of hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) was made. He was initiated on plasma exchange and hemodialysis. On day 6, he was started on eculizumab. His renal functions progressively improved. His main complication during eculizumab therapy was hypertension‐related posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.     

Headache and Acute Stroke

Disorders associated with prominent headaches, such as migraine with aura and cerebral arterial and venous diseases, increase the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Central nervous system vasculitis, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and cerebral venous thrombosis are all disorders associated with severe or persistent headache in which the risk for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke is increased. Hemorrhagic strokes, more frequently than ischemic strokes, present with distinct headaches, usually accompanied by focal neurological symptoms. Pregnancy, and especially the postpartum period, is a time of overlap between new-onset headache and stroke risk.     

可逆性脑血管收缩综合征2例的临床及影像学特点

目的 探讨可逆性脑血管收缩综合征(reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome,RCVS)的临床及影像学特点.方法 回顾性分析2例RCVS患者的临床资料.结果 2例患者的触发因素分别为子痫和吉兰巴雷综合征.临床表现包括癫痫、意识障碍和视觉缺失.影像学表现包括凸面蛛网膜下腔出...     

Coexisting posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and ischemic hepatopathy: A case report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is acute neurologic symptoms with specific radiologic findings. This unique case shows coexisting PRES with acute liver injury, which could suggest common pathophysiologic process.     

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: an emerging clinical entity in adult, pediatric, and obstetric critical care

PURPOSE: To describe the signs, symptoms, causative factors, and treatment for posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), an emerging clinical neuroradiologic entity which may be encountered by nurse practitioners in almost any clinical setting. DATA SOURCES: Extensive review of worldwide literature, including peer-reviewed medical specialty journals, supplemented by an actual case study. Currently, a paucity of information exists in the nursing literature. CONCLUSIONS: PRES occurs as a result of disordered cerebral circulatory autoregulation and/or endothelial dysfunction, usually as a result of acute, intermittent hypertension. Clinical manifestations include mental status change, headache, visual disturbance, and seizures. Characteristic abnormalities in the posterior cerebral white matter, seen best on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, confirm the presence of the syndrome. PRES has been documented worldwide among a diverse patient population, yet many clinicians are still unfamiliar with this diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: PRES is a clinical-radiographic diagnosis that requires close collaboration between the clinician and interpreting radiologist. Rapid identification and appropriate diagnostics are essential, as prompt treatment usually results in reversal of symptoms; permanent neurologic injury or death can occur with treatment delay.     

肾移植围手术期并发可逆性后部白质脑病综合征1例

背景：可逆性后部白质脑病综合征临床少见,特别是继发于肾移植围手术期,国内外鲜有相关报道,因尿毒症患者临床表现与其有相似处,移植医生容易忽略或发现不及时,影响治疗。目的：讨论肾移植围手术期并发可逆性后部白质脑病综合征的临床表现、影像学特征、治疗经验及预后,以提高临床工作中的确诊率及治疗效果。方法：回顾近期在解放军沈阳军区总医院行同种肾移植围手术期并发可逆性后部白质脑部综合征的1例患者的临床资料。结果与结论：患者于移植后3d起逐渐出现异常血压升高、视物模糊、头痛、癫痫发作、意识障碍及精神行为异常等表现,早期头部CT示左侧放射冠、额叶低密度,进一步复查MRI示双侧额叶、海马、顶枕叶皮质下,脑干多发片状等T1、长T2信号,相应部位FLARI高信号。经积极治疗患者临床表现有明显好转。通过对此例患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析及相关文献复习,拟对以后在肾移植围手术期及移植后并发可逆性后部白质脑部综合征的诊断及治疗上提供临床资料。