Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with late postpartum eclampsia

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication commonly associated with headache and acute changes in blood pressure that results from a variety of causes, culminating in vasogenic cerebral edema in the occipital and parietal lobes of the brain.

We report here a woman who suffered from headache, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and cortical blindness in the late postpartum period.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

The patient was treated with amlodipine besylate tablets for hypertension, dehydration with mannitol and glycerin fructose, and antispasmodic treatment with sodium valproate and oxcarbazepine.

On day 2, the patient became conscious, headache and vision improved. One week later, symptoms and signs disappeared, blood pressure returned to normal, and brain MRI lesions disappeared in re-examination.

Eclampsia associated with PRES is reversible in most cases, but it is a serious and potentially life-threatening obstetric emergency. If adequate treatment is provided in a timely manner, most women will make a full recovery. Attention needs to be paid to timely and adequate treatment, as well as appropriate follow-up and support for patients with PRES.