[Etiological, clinical and imaging characters of reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome]

To elucidate the clinical and imaging characters of reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and to discuss the etiological factors and the probable pathogenesis.

Retrospective analysis of basal diseases, clinical manifestations and imaging characters of 13 PRES patients was conducted with follow-ups.

The common associated diseases are various kinds of kidney disease and renal inadequacy, eclampsia of gravidity and postpartum, connective tissue disease and immunosuppressives, et al. The main clinical manifestations are headache, convulsion, poor vision, changes of psychology or consciousness. The radiological findings are multifocal, symmetrical and posteriorly distributed in the cerebral hemispheres involving bilateral grey and white matter abnormalities in occipital, parietal and frontal regions. The majority of patients with PRES have an excellent prognosis.

The etiological factors and pathogenesis of PRES are different and not all of them are reversible. Thus it is decisive to take specific and appropriate measures.