Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
05:31

Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles

Published on: January 26, 2024

1.4K

A Population-Based Study of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction

Vest Teresa1, Verho Liisa2, Rantanen Kirsi1

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

European Journal of Neurology
|April 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pregnancy-associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) are rare, serious conditions. PRES with or without RCVS strongly links to severe preeclampsia, while isolated RCVS occurs later in the postpartum period.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Obstetrics
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) are related neurovascular conditions.
  • Pregnancy is a significant shared risk factor for both PRES and RCVS.
  • Understanding shared and distinct risk factors and outcomes is crucial for managing these conditions during pregnancy and postpartum.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe shared and distinct risk factors in patients with pregnancy-associated PRES and/or RCVS.
  • To outline the clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with pregnancy-associated PRES and/or RCVS.
  • To differentiate the characteristics of PRES with RCVS versus isolated RCVS in the context of pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study.
  • Utilized national healthcare registers to identify women with PRES and/or RCVS from 1987-2016.
  • Reviewed medical records to classify cerebrovascular events and collect clinical details, including subsequent pregnancies and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Incidence of pregnancy-associated PRES and/or RCVS was 1.52 per 100,000 deliveries.
  • All PRES±RCVS cases were associated with preeclampsia with severe features; isolated RCVS occurred later postpartum (median day 26).
  • 40.7% experienced stroke (90.9% hemorrhagic), 3.7% maternal mortality, 7.4% perinatal mortality, with 92.3% good recovery at 3 months.

Conclusions:

  • Pregnancy-associated PRES and RCVS are rare, potentially life-threatening conditions.
  • PRES±RCVS is strongly linked to severe preeclampsia.
  • Puerperal RCVS appears to be a distinct entity occurring later in the postpartum period.
Abstract

Keywords:
cerebrovascular disorderspreeclampsiapregnancypuerperiumstroke

More Related Videos

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

10.5K
Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats04:12

Modeling Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity in Rats

Published on: March 28, 2025

717

Related Concept Videos

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
19
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
15
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
589
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
22