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[Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome: case report]
Francine Judith Freitas Fernandes1, Marcos Alberto da Costa Machado, Adriana Vieira Pedreira
1Setor de Neurorradiologia, Serviço de Bioimagem, Hospital São Rafael, Fundação Monte Tabor, Salvador, BA, Brasil.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 24, 2002
Summary
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a condition characterized by neurological symptoms and brain imaging changes. This case highlights PRES caused by hypertensive encephalopathy, emphasizing its reversible nature with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiologic entity.
- Common causes include hypertensive encephalopathy, eclampsia, cyclosporin A neurotoxicity, and uremic encephalopathies.
Observation:
- Patients often present with hypertension, though blood pressure can be normal.
- Symptoms include headache, seizures, altered mental status, and visual disturbances.
- CT and MRI reveal symmetrical subcortical white matter edema, predominantly in occipital and parietal lobes.
Findings:
- Edema in PRES is typically interstitial, not cytotoxic, thus not showing hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted imaging.
- Imaging findings are usually reversible with appropriate therapy.
- This case details PRES secondary to hypertensive encephalopathy, visualized via CT and MRI.
Implications:
- Understanding PRES is crucial for diagnosing and managing neurological complications associated with hypertension and other conditions.
- Prompt recognition and treatment of PRES can lead to complete recovery.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and specific triggers of PRES is warranted.