Preeclampsia, eclampsia, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neurology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder with gestational hypertension and end-organ dysfunction.
• Eclampsia is defined by seizures in preeclamptic patients.
• Neurologic symptoms beyond seizures can occur in preeclampsia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neurologic complications in preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• To explore pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings.
• To discuss the prognosis of these neurologic complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic findings.
• Review of radiographic abnormalities and pathophysiology.

Main Results:

• Preeclampsia and eclampsia share neurologic manifestations.
• Radiographic findings can resemble posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
• A common pathophysiology or spectrum of disorders is suggested.

Conclusions:

• Neurologic complications are significant in preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• Understanding these complications aids diagnosis and management.
• Further research into the shared pathophysiology is warranted.