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Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a child with cyclical vomiting and hypertension: a case report

Zakareya Gamie1, Akheel Rizwan, Frances G Balen

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Pontefract General Infirmary, Pontefract, UK. ugm1zg@doctors.org.uk.

Journal of Medical Case Reports
|April 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is rare in children. This case highlights its association with cyclical vomiting and hypertension, emphasizing early radiological diagnosis for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) presents with headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and visual disturbances.
  • Characteristic radiological findings aid in PRES diagnosis within a suitable clinical context.
  • Prompt diagnosis facilitates the institution of appropriate clinical therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a pediatric patient.
  • To explore the association between PRES, cyclical vomiting, and hypertension in a child.
  • To discuss the diagnostic challenges and clinical recovery patterns in pediatric PRES.

Main Methods:

  • A case presentation of a 10-year-old Caucasian girl diagnosed with PRES.
  • Initial diagnosis of cyclical vomiting and hypertension preceded the PRES diagnosis.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to identify radiological features.

Main Results:

  • The patient was diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES).
  • An association was noted between PRES, cyclical vomiting, and hypertension.
  • Radiological abnormalities on MRI showed resolution over time, but clinical recovery was not parallel.

Conclusions:

  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon pediatric disorder.
  • Early recognition of radiological features is crucial for diagnosing PRES, as clinical symptoms can be nonspecific.
  • This case is the first to report an association between PRES, cyclical vomiting, and hypertension, with a noted discrepancy between radiological resolution and clinical recovery.
Abstract

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