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07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome at term pregnancy
Shreepathi Krishna Achar1, Nanda Shetty, Tim Thomas Joseph
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
|October 21, 2011
Summary
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a reversible neurological condition often seen in pregnancy. Prompt diagnosis and supportive care in a pregnant patient led to complete visual recovery, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiological condition characterized by headache, encephalopathy, seizures, and visual disturbances.
- Vasogenic edema in the parieto-occipital white matter is the widely accepted pathophysiology.
- PRES can be associated with various clinical conditions, including pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of PRES in a term pregnancy presenting with seizures and blindness.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of PRES in obstetric patients.
- To highlight the potential for complete neurological recovery with supportive treatment.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 25-year-old primigravida in term pregnancy presenting with seizures and blindness.
- Perioperative management under general anesthesia during an emergency cesarean section.
- Postoperative brain CT scan to evaluate neurological findings.
- Supportive treatment and clinical monitoring.
Main Results:
- Postoperative CT revealed intra-axial hypodensity in bilateral parieto-occipital lobes, right caudate nucleus, and right cerebellum, consistent with PRES.
- The patient experienced clinical improvement with complete resolution of visual disturbances.
- Supportive treatment was effective in managing the condition.
Conclusions:
- PRES is a critical condition in pregnancy that requires high clinical suspicion.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent short- and long-term neurological deficits.
- PRES is a reversible condition with appropriate supportive care, even in the context of pregnancy.
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