Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Associated with Infundibular Dilation
Héctor Montenegro-Rosales1, Blanca González-Alonso1, Omar Cárdenas-Sáenz2
1Medica Sur Hospital, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Department, Mexico City, Mexico.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) presents with severe headaches and narrowed brain arteries. Early clinical suspicion is key, especially if initial imaging is inconclusive, to avoid misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a condition characterized by severe headaches and segmental narrowing of cerebral arteries.
- It presents as a clinical and radiological syndrome with symptoms resolving within three months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and importance of clinical suspicion in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS).
- To emphasize the need for continued vigilance and management even with initially inconclusive imaging findings.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 51-year-old female with persistent severe headache and visual disturbances.
- Initial imaging revealed an infundibular dilation; subsequent angiography and further imaging confirmed RCVS.
Main Results:
- RCVS can be misdiagnosed, presenting similarly to other neurological and vasculitic conditions.
- Initial imaging may not always demonstrate vasoconstriction, necessitating further investigation if symptoms persist.
Conclusions:
- Clinical suspicion is paramount for diagnosing RCVS, especially when initial imaging is negative.
- Patients with persistent symptoms, after excluding other diagnoses, should be managed for possible or probable RCVS.
- RCVS findings are relevant in various nervous system vasculopathies and vasculitis.
