Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children: report of three cases

Fatih Akın1, Cengizhan Kılıçaslan, Ece Selma Solak

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Meram, 42090, Konya, Turkey, drfatihakin@gmail.com.

Insights

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in children is often linked to underlying renal diseases. Promptly controlling high blood pressure is key to recovery, even with rare brain stem involvement.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Nephrology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) presents with neurological symptoms like seizures and visual disturbances, primarily linked to severe hypertension.
  • In children, secondary hypertension frequently stems from renal abnormalities, positioning renal diseases as a common cause of PRES.

Observation:

  • This study reviewed three pediatric cases of PRES associated with diverse renal conditions, including atrophic kidney, hydronephrosis, nephrotic syndrome, and glomerulonephritis.
  • Neurological involvement varied, with two patients exhibiting typical parieto-occipital and frontoparietal changes, and one presenting with rare brain stem involvement.

Findings:

  • All identified cases of hypertension were attributed to renal issues.
  • Complete recovery was achieved in all patients through effective management of their elevated blood pressure.

Implications:

  • PRES should be strongly considered in pediatric patients presenting with neurological symptoms, particularly those with known renal disease.
  • The findings highlight the critical role of renal health in pediatric neurological conditions and emphasize timely hypertension control for favorable outcomes.
Abstract

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