Paclitaxel combined with trastuzumab chemotherapy-related posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report and literature review

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in breast carcinoma is a rare disease in clinical practice that is often misdiagnosed and ignored. This study reported a case of a patient admitted to our hospital and discussed the clinical, imaging, and pathogenesis properties of the disease. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of this patient and reviewed the relevant literature. Imaging was used to diagnose PRES based on clinical findings, and clinical symptoms improved after discontinuation of the relevant drugs.

Clinical relevance of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in pregnant women with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: review of case reports in Japan

We systematically reviewed case reports of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and investigated the characteristics of PRES in pregnant Japanese women and the clinical relevance of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in pregnant women with PRES. Articles were collected using the PubMed/Medline and Ichushi-Web databases. This review was ultimately conducted on 121 articles (162 patients). The clinical characteristics of PRES, individual sites of PRES lesions, edema types, and clinical characteristics of RCVS in PRES cases were examined. The most common individual site of PRES lesion was the occipital lobe (83.3%), followed by the basal ganglia, parietal lobe, frontal lobe, brain stem, cerebellum, temporal lobe, thalamus, and splenium corpus callosum (47.5, 42.6, 24.7, 16.1, 9.3, 5.6, 4.3, and 0.0%, respectively). Edema types in 79 cases with PRES were mainly the vasogenic edema type (91.1%), with very few cases of the cytotoxic edema type (3.8%) and mixed type (5.1%). Among 25 PRES cases with RCVS, RCVS was not strongly suspected in 17 (68.0%) before magnetic resonance angiography. RCVS was observed at the same time as PRES in 13 cases (approximately 50%), and between days 1 and 14 after the onset of PRES in the other 12. These results suggest that the basal ganglia is a frequent site of PRES lesions in pregnant women. RCVS may occur at or after the onset of PRES, even if there are no symptoms to suggest RCVS.

The challenging clinical dilemma of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a challenging clinical dilemma. A retrospective single-center study was performed to investigate the clinical features, risk factors, outcomes, and clinical determinants of the prognosis of PRES in SLE.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed from January 2015 to December 2020. 19 episodes of lupus PRES and 19 episodes of non-lupus PRES were identified. 38 cases of patients presenting with neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) hospitalized during the same period were selected as controls. Survival status was acquired via outpatient and telephone follow-up in December 2022.

RESULTS

The clinical neurological presentation of PRES in lupus patients was similar to that of the non-SLE-related PRES and NPSLE populations. Nephritis-induced hypertension is the predominant trigger of PRES in SLE. Disease flare and renal failure-triggered PRES were identified in half of the patients with SLE. The mortality rate of lupus-related PRES during the 2‑year follow-up was 15.8%, the same as that of NPSLE. For patients with lupus-related PRES, multivariate analysis indicated that high diastolic blood pressure (OR =1.762, 95% CI: 1.031 ~ 3.012, p = 0.038), renal involvement (OR = 3.456, 95% CI: 0.894 ~ 14.012, p = 0.049), and positive proteinuria (OR = 1.231, 95% CI: 1.003 ~ 1.511, p = 0.047) were independent risk factors compared to NPSLE. A strong connection between the absolute counts of T and/or B cells and prognosis in lupus patients with neurological manifestations was found (p < 0.05). The lower the counts of T and/or B cells, the worse the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Lupus patients with renal involvement and disease activity are more likely to develop PRES. The mortality rate of lupus-related PRES is similar to that of NPSLE. Focusing on immune balance might reduce mortality.

A complex case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after combined spinal epidural of preeclampsia parturient: A case report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a disorder characterized by vasogenic edema affecting the posterior brain region. We report a case of PRES in a 36-year-old woman with preeclampsia who underwent an emergency cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. After surgery, she developed right leg weakness, headache, and seizures. Imaging showed white matter edema consistent with PRES. The exact cause of PRES is unclear, but elevated blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction are implicated. Tight blood pressure control in PRES is crucial for management, and prompt recognition and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes.

Post reversible encephalopathy syndrome attributed to mycophenolate mofetil used in the treatment of SLE: A case report and review of literature

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare clinical disease, which has been seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Its main manifestations are seizure, headache and other neurological symptoms. While the condition is reversible, if not treated in time, there can be risks of cerebral haemorrhage. We report here the case of a young patient with SLE who developed PRES after receiving the immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil. Neurological symptoms, signs, or changes in a patient's condition that cannot be explained by lupus, should alert physicians to the possibility of the drug causing PRES, and prompt discontinuation should ensue.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and myeloma

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has rarely been described in myeloma, but chemotherapy is a known risk factor. We report 3 patients with myeloma who developed PRES, and analyzed them with 13 published cases, mostly women. The most frequent causative agents were proteasome inhibitors and autologous stem cell transplantation. Risk factors were frequently associated: hypertension, infection or renal failure. Symptoms included headache, blurred vision, altered mental status, seizures. Most patients experienced rapid clinical recovery, without relapse even after resuming treatment. Although rare, we must remain vigilant about PRES in myeloma patients. Stricter control of blood pressure could limit its occurrence.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in postpartum patients with gestational hypertension: A case report emphasizing early recognition and management

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neuroradiological condition causing headaches, altered mental status, seizures, visual disturbances, and focal deficits. It is often associated with preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnancy, but can also occur in patients with other medical conditions, such as hypertension, autoimmune diseases, renal dysfunction etc. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing PRES in postpartum patients with hypertension and the need for prompt diagnosis and management to prevent potential complications. A 30-year-old woman with gestational hypertension underwent scheduled induction of labor. After a successful delivery, she experienced a sudden headache but no other neurological symptoms. Imaging showed bilateral frontoparietal white matter edema, consistent with PRES. She was closely monitored, treated with analgesics, and improved within a week. The case highlights the rarity of PRES in postpartum patients without preeclampsia or eclampsia. It underscores the importance of considering PRES as a possible diagnosis in postpartum patients with hypertension, even in the absence of typical risk factors. Prompt control of blood pressure and careful monitoring are essential to ensure a positive outcome, as PRES can lead to life-threatening complications if not managed appropriately. The study highlights the importance of heightened awareness of PRES in postpartum patients with gestational hypertension. Early detection and timely management can improve prognosis, even in atypical cases. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in assessing hypertension patients to diagnose and manage PRES, preventing neurological sequelae. Further research is needed to better understand PRES pathophysiology and risk factors in postpartum patients.

Golimumab-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): a case-based review

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic state which is characterized by seizures, headache, visual disturbances, paresis, and altered mental status. Golimumab is anti-tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor (anti-TNF-α) that can be used in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases. Here, we present a patient who had developed PRES after golimumab treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A 45-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency service with a newly onset severe headache, loss of vision in both eyes, and two generalized tonic-clonic seizures that lasted for 3 to 4 min. The patient had the diagnoses of AS for 12 years and hypertension for 3 years and receiving golimumab and carvedilol. The patient was diagnosed with PRES based on the current clinical and diffusion cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. On suspicion of being the trigger of this situation, golimumab was stopped. After starting anti-convulsant therapy and controlling blood pressure, the neurological findings recovered rapidly and no seizures were seen. Control MRI images, in the first month's visit, were normal. Although chemotherapeutic agents are well-known causes of PRES, there are few reported cases with anti-TNF-α agents in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case that developed PRES after golimumab. Demyelinating diseases are the most frightening neurologic complication of anti-TNF-α treatment; however, PRES should come to mind in patients presenting with neurological symptoms.

Transient Cortical Blindness After Cardiac Catheterization: A Case Report and Review of Possible Neurological Etiologies

Cardiac catheterization is a standard procedure performed approximately 1 million times per year. Transient cortical blindness is a rare complication of this procedure. Herein we report a case of complete bilateral vision loss after cardiac catheterization through right radial access, which, to our knowledge, has only been reported once before. Prompt identification of this complication is crucial for patient care. This report provides insight into the diagnostic difficulties, differential diagnosis, imaging findings, and management of transient cortical blindness.

Rare central nervous system manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a 12-year-old child: A case report

To share a unique case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) identified in a child with CNS involvement, specifically PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). Discuss this uncommon manifestation's clinical characteristics, diagnostic process, and treatment. We are currently discussing a 12-year-old female patient who presented with a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and a new-onset fever. Upon further examination, the patient was diagnosed with GPA, confirmed through positive cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (C-ANCA), a renal biopsy, and multiple lung cavitary lesions. During her hospitalization, the patient also experienced neurological symptoms, including a severe headache, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, and an abnormal neurological exam, which led to brain MR imaging. The imaging revealed evidence of small vessel vasculitis with confluent T2 hyper signal intensity of gray-white matter junctions in both parietooccipital and frontal lobes containing hemorrhagic components, suggesting Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. This case of Wegener's granulomatosis is noteworthy due to its occurrence in a pediatric patient with CNS involvement, specifically (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). This event highlights the importance of recognizing that autoimmune disorders can present infrequently in young patients. Diagnosing Wegener's granulomatosis can be challenging, particularly when the CNS is affected. However, when appropriate treatment is initiated promptly, favorable outcomes can be achieved, as evidenced by the patient's improved condition with the prednisolone, captopril, and Rituximab treatment plan. Further research is necessary to understand better the underlying pathophysiology and optimal management of CNS involvement in GPA, particularly in the pediatric population.

Optic pathway involvement in the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological condition characterized by reversible vasogenic edema of the white matter and acute neurological symptoms. PRES typically affects the parieto-occipital regions but rarely affects the optic pathway. Herein, we describe a case of central-variant PRES in a 57-year-old man with abnormal signal intensities in the optic pathway on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient underwent hemodialysis, initiated diuretics and antihypertensive medications, and the abnormal signal intensities of the brainstem and optic pathway on MRI improved. Although rare, PRES can affect the optic pathway, thus suggesting the possibility of fragility of the optic pathway itself to hyperperfusion.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient under maintenance haemodialysis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction is common in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis, and is a major cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Recently, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been shown to cause endothelial dysfunction by infecting vascular endothelial cells. Several cases of neurological complications in patients without kidney dysfunction, and only a few cases in patients with chronic kidney disease, have been reported in the literature. However, no previous report has yet described PRES associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients undergoing maintenance dialysis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 54-year-old woman undergoing maintenance haemodialysis was admitted to our hospital for status epilepticus. She had developed end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) secondary to diabetic nephropathy. Seven days prior to admission, she had developed fever and was diagnosed with COVID-19. Subsequently her blood pressure increased from 160/90 mmHg to 190/100 mmHg. On admission, she presented with severe hypertension (> 220/150 mmHg), unconsciousness, and epilepticus. CT tomography revealed no signs of brain haemorrhage. Cranio-spinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed no signs of encephalitis, and CSF polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 was negative. MRI findings revealed focal T2/FLAIR hyperintensity in the bilateral parietooccipital regions, leading to the diagnosis of PRES. Deep sedation and strict blood pressure control resulted in a rapid improvement of her symptoms, and she was discharged without sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first case of PRES associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis are at high risk of PRES because of several risk factors. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes direct invasion of endothelial cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), initiating cytokine release, and hypercoagulation, leading to vascular endothelial cell injury and increased vascular leakage. In the present case, SARS-CoV-2 infection possibly be associated with the development of PRES.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome triggered by FLOT (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, docetaxel, and calcium levofolinate) chemotherapy and thrombocytopenia (docetaxel and cisplatin) chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinical and imaging syndrome characterized by endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, and vasogenic edema. The common clinical symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome include headache, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, and seizures, among which headache and seizures are the most common. The classic imaging patterns usually reveal vasogenic edema.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a middle-aged woman with gastric cancer. She was under treatment by fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel regimen and thrombocytopenia regimen after tumor progression, but developed unconsciousness, irritability, and headache shortly after initiation of treatment. Her magnetic resonance imaging in our hospital shows abnormal signals in bilateral frontal parietal occipital lobes with hyperintensities on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging, accompanied by the increased value of apparent diffusion coefficient. And T1-weighted images illustrate hypointense foci, with increased diffusion-weighted imaging signals.

MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME

After admission, she was treated to control blood pressure, reduce brain edema, expand blood vessels, improve consciousness, and symptomatic support treatment. 3 days after the onset of the disease, her headache symptoms and state of consciousness gradually improved, and her blood pressure can be controlled at about 130/80 mmHg.

DISCUSSION

This is the first report that posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is caused by a thrombocytopenia regimen, and our case highlights the pathogenic role of a thrombocytopenia regimen in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. However, the association between the thrombocytopenia regimen and previous fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel regimens needs further study.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following uneventful clipping of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized mainly by occipital and parietal lobe involvement, which can be reversible within a few days. Herein, we report a rare case of PRES that developed after craniotomy for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA).

CASE SUMMARY

A 59-year-old man underwent clipping surgery for the treatment of UIA arising from the left middle cerebral artery. Clipping surgery was performed uneventfully, and he regained consciousness quickly immediately after the surgery. At the 4th hour after surgery, he developed a disorder of consciousness and aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cortical and subcortical T2/FLAIR hyperintensities in the parietal, occipital, and frontal lobes ipsilaterally, without restricted diffusion, consistent with unilateral PRES. With conservative treatment, his symptoms and radiological findings almost completely disappeared within weeks. In our case, the important causative factor of PRES was suspected to be a sudden increase in cerebral perfusion pressure associated with temporary M1 occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Our unique case highlights that, to our knowledge, this is the second report of PRES developing after craniotomy for the treatment of UIA. Surgeons must keep PRES in mind as one of the causes of perioperative neurological abnormality following clipping of an UIA.

Brainstem and upper cervical cord involvement in a patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: Neuro-images

INTRODUCTION

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiological syndrome with acute heterogeneous neurological symptoms. It is usually preceded by hypertension or chemotherapy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows vasogenic edema over the cortex and subcortex of parieto-occipital lobes. Involvement of the brainstem, basal ganglia, and spinal cord is rare.

MATERIAL

Here we described an 18 years old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who was admitted due seizure and impaired consciousness. She had a mean arterial pressure of 160 and previously received cyclophosphamide.

RESULTS

She had a unique involvement of diffuse bilateral asymmetric brain edema over the upper cervical cord, brainstem, cerebellum, thalami, basal ganglia, frontotemporal, and parieto-occipital lobes. She was diagnosed with PRES and after the treatment vasogenic edema vanished completely.

CONCLUSION

When it is clinically applicable, physicians should consider PRES as the differential diagnosis of vasogenic edema over the upper cervical cord, cerebellum, and brainstem.

Advances in Management of the Stroke Etiology One-Percenters

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Uncommon causes of stroke merit specific attention; when clinicians have less common etiologies of stoke in mind, the diagnosis may come more easily. This is key, as optimal management will in many cases differs significantly from "standard" care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the best medical therapy in the treatment of cervical artery dissection (CeAD) have demonstrated low rates of ischemia with both antiplatelet and vitamin K antagonism. RCT evidence supports the use of anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonism in "high-risk" patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS), and there is new evidence supporting the utilization of direct oral anticoagulation in malignancy-associated thrombosis. Migraine with aura has been more conclusively linked not only with increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, but also with cardiovascular mortality. Recent literature has surprisingly not provided support the utilization of L-arginine in the treatment of patients with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS); however, there is evidence at this time that support use of enzyme replacement in patients with Fabry disease. Additional triggers for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have been identified, such as capsaicin. Imaging of cerebral blood vessel walls utilizing contrast-enhanced MRA is an emerging modality that may ultimately prove to be very useful in the evaluation of patients with uncommon causes of stroke. A plethora of associations between cerebrovascular disease and COVID-19 have been described. Where pertinent, authors provide additional tips and guidance. Less commonly encountered conditions with updates in diagnosis, and management along with clinical tips are reviewed.

Eclampsia with hypothyroidism complicated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome-a case report

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological disorder with complex physiopathological mechanisms that have not been fully understood. Early identification is of great prognostic significance, of which the symptoms and radiological abnormalities can be completely reversed. If the diagnosis and treatment are delayed, ischemia and massive infarction may be developed in some patients. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been reported mainly in association with postpartum eclampsia, which have been rarely reported, while the association with hypothyroidism has not been reported at home or abroad.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we report on a pregnant 29-year-old with multipara and a chief complication of hypothyroidism. She presented in the emergency department with frequent attacks of severe headache symptoms resulting from reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), accompanied with prenatal eclampsia. PRES was determined by radiological examination.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of PRES complicated by hypothyroidism and prepartum eclampsia.Clinicians should be alert for the co-occurence of eclampsia, PRES, and RCVS when patients have convulsions after a typical throbbing headache. Moreover, regular monitoring of thyroid function during pregnancy should also occupy certain special attention.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following septicemia in patient with myasthenia gravis

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiologic entity characterized by seizure, headaches, visual symptoms, impaired consciousness, and vasogenic cerebral edema of occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic gold standard. The pathophysiology of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is still unknown, but it is thought to be closely related to several medical conditions including hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, immunosuppressive agents, transplantation, and sepsis. We report a rare case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in patient with myasthenia gravis and sepsis. A 22-year-old male was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis combined with sepsis due to pneumonia. During his recovery, the patient suffered multiple generalized convulsions and subsequent loss of consciousness. On cranial MRI, the abnormalities were observed with hyperintense within the subcortical white matter of the temporal, parietal, and bilateral occipital lobes on T2-weighted and T2 FLAIR. Reversibility of the symptoms and characteristic imaging findings led us to a diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Early recognition and management of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as a cause of encephalopathy in patients with septicemia and myasthenia gravis is necessary to prevent secondary complications in this condition.

Acute Neurological Complications of Coronavirus Disease

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many lives globally. Neurologic manifestations have been observed among individuals at various stages and severity of the disease, the most common being stroke. Prompt identification of these neurologic diagnoses can affect patient management and prognosis. This article discusses the acute neuroradiological features typical of COVID-19, including cerebrovascular disease, intracerebral hemorrhage, leukoencephalopathy, and sensory neuropathies.

Drugs associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a worldwide signal detection study

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can occur in a variety of clinical conditions, such as severe hypertension, pregnancy, inflammatory diseases, hematopoietic stem cells or solid organ transplantation. Apart increased blood pressure levels and altered renal function, several drugs have been reported as potential triggering factor. These descriptions are nevertheless limited to case reports or small case series. Systematic analysis of drugs associated with PRES using global pharmacovigilance database is lacking and can be useful.

METHODS

We performed a disproportionality analysis using VigiBase, the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database, using the information component (IC). The IC compares observed and expected values to find associations between drugs and PRES using disproportionate Bayesian reporting. An IC_0.25 (lower end of the IC 95% credibility interval) > 0 is considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Here we present an analysis of 3278 cases of PRES reported in VigiBase. These results identified 73 molecules statistically associated with PRES using full database as background with an IC_0.25 > 0. Only 34% (N = 25/73) of them had this information written in the summary of product characteristics. The main drug classes involved were antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents and the drugs with the greatest number of cases were tacrolimus, cyclosporin, bevacizumab, methotrexate, and vincristine. An overall mortality of 8.1% (N = 267/3278) was identified in cases of drug-associated PRES.

CONCLUSION

These results will help clinicians identify potential suspected drugs associated with PRES and decide which drug to discontinue and eventually lead to a re-evaluation of drug labels for some molecules.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and autoimmunity

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute or subacute onset of neurological symptoms (e.g., headache, seizure, confusion, vomiting, and diminished eyesight) and impaired endothelial barrier function of the cerebral circulation that leads to bilateral subcortical vasogenic edema, while exhibiting a "reversible" feature in most cases. Clinically, various predisposing or precipitating conditions have been identified, such as hypertension, autoimmune diseases, renal dysfunction/failure, preeclampsia/eclampsia, post-transplantation conditions, and certain therapeutic agents. Among several putative mechanisms, the immune activation hypothesis prevails, as up to 50% of patients with PRES harbor abnormalities related to autoimmunity, such as concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus. In this Review, we summarize the clinical and laboratory evidence that places PRES in the context of autoimmunity.

[Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome during nilotinib treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia]

Here we present the case of a 50-year-old woman with chronic myeloid leukemia who received nilotinib as initial treatment. After about 2 years of nilotinib therapy, she developed headache, blurred vision, impaired consciousness, and marked hypertension. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was diagnosed, and was strongly suspected to be a vascular adverse event caused by nilotinib. Nilotinib was withheld and the patient was treated with antihypertensive drugs under ventilator management. Her symptoms resolved quickly. The most likely cause of PRES is systemic arterial hypertension and endothelial dysfunction due to direct injury leading to dysfunction at the level of the blood-brain barrier, along with the resultant vasogenic edema. PRES has been reported with some tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but this is the first case of PRES during nilotinib treatment.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in critical COVID-19 patients: Report of 2 cases

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an acute neurological disorder characterized by variable symptoms and radiological images characteristic of vasogenic parietal-occipital edema. It is associated with clinical conditions such as high blood pressure, infection/sepsis, or cytotoxic/immunosuppressive drugs, among others. It is characterized pathophysiologically by endothelial damage with breakdown of blood-brain barrier, cerebral hypoperfusion, and vasogenic edema. The cases are presented on 2 critical COVID-19 patients who were admitted to pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation and who, after removing sedation, developed acute and reversible neurological symptoms consisting of epilepsy and encephalopathy, associated with hyperintense subcortical lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus would activate an inflammatory response that would damage brain endothelium. It could be triggered by cytokine release, as well as by direct viral injury, given that endothelium expresses ACE2 receptors. It could explain the possible association between posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and COVID-19.

RCVS: by clinicians for clinicians-a narrative review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may be underdiagnosed. It can be accompanied by various complications, mainly intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. The clinical presentation of this condition varies according to its localization. The aims of this review are to raise awareness of the disease, especially in the presence of corresponding risk factors; to connect its precipitating factors, pathophysiology, and complications; and to compare various differential diagnoses of vasoconstriction.

METHODS

A review of the literature in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted from May 1997 until May 2022.

RESULTS

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which is a clinical-radiological syndrome, is mainly characterized by the occurrence of thunderclap headache and widespread vasoconstriction. The most common precipitating factors are the use of vasoactive substances and postpartum status. The pathophysiology is currently assumed to include two mechanisms: sympathetic overactivity and endothelial dysfunction. From these mechanisms, it is possible to derive potential complications as well as the most important differential diagnoses: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

CONCLUSION

In general, the outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is very good. Vasospasm as well as thunderclap headache attacks can be fully reversible, and > 90% of patients are functionally independent at discharge.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a child after burns: A case report and literature review

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinical-neuroradiological syndrome with typical neuroimaging features of posterior cerebral white matter changes that are usually reversible. However, there are only few reports of burns with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in the literature. Hence, it is a clinical entity that many burn medicine physicians may be unfamiliar with. We report a case of severe burns complicated by posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a 14-month-old male patient. On the eighth day of hospitalization, the child had persistent fever, occasional convulsions, eyes staring to the right, and high-pitched cry. Magnetic resonance imaging on day 10 showed the diagnosis is posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. We used hormone therapy to reduce cerebral oedema, oxcarbazepine to control convulsions, and multiple other drugs and physical measures to treat fever. The symptoms, signs, and imaging abnormalities of his posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome were rapidly reversed in a short period of time. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient had recovered completely with no residual neurological signs and symptoms. To our knowledge, the patient may be the youngest recorded patient with both burns and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Careful observation, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, which facilitates the achievement of desired therapeutic results. Further investigation is required to determine whether burns can serve as an independent posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome causative factor and clarify the underlying pathogenesis mechanism.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following cervical spine surgery: insights from an interesting case

A 14-month child presenting with complaints of spastic paraplegia was diagnosed with C6-D1 intramedullary cyst. A cysto-subarachnoid shunt was performed; the patient was clinically stable in the immediate post-operative period. On post-operative day 2, the patient developed multiple episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) with altered sensorium, NCCT head revealed bilateral diffuse parieto-occipital hypodensities. MRI brain showed on T2WI and FLAIR, diffuse hyperintensities in bilateral parieto-occipital region suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The patient never experienced hypertensive episodes and was treated with anti-epileptics. The patient's symptoms improved and repeat MRI after 10 weeks revealed normal signal intensity in bilateral parieto-occipital areas. PRES after spinal surgeries is very rare and more so in pediatric cases, CSF hypotension may contribute to PRES in such cases.

The pathogenesis and treatment of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare disease characterized by reversible subcortical vasogenic brain edema. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a frequent neurological autoimmune disease that is rarely reported to complicate PRES.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report a case of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) concurrent with PRES. A 50-year-old woman presented with severe impairment of her health visual acuity, with significantly worsening of the motor weakness in both lower limbs during methylprednisolone therapy after her diagnosis of NMO. MRI showed new-onset brain edematous lesions of the bilateral frontal, occipital, and parietal lobes. PRES was considered. Her vision impairment and weakness of the extremities were alleviated after antihypertensive treatment and dehydration. The edema lesions detected by MRI also completely disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS

We reviewed 14 cases of NMO with PRES and concluded that the etiology of NMOSD concurrent PRES may be multifactorial, involving pathogenic IgGs against aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) and immunotherapy treatment. Different underlying pathogeneses require different treatment approaches.

Visual Hallucinations as a Major Manifestation of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review

We evaluated a 48-year-old woman who had visual hallucinations (VHs) as a major presenting sign of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Despite her mild loss of vision, she described various hallucinations after awakening from a comatose state days after a motorcycle collision. VHs are usually accompanied by more severe loss of vision, yet our case and literature review indicate that sudden onset of formed VHs should suggest a possible diagnosis of PRES in patients who have large fluctuations in blood pressure, renal failure, or autoimmune dysfunction, as well as in patients taking cytotoxic agents.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome-like presentation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-RI), which presents with acute or subacute cognitive or functional decline, focal or multifocal neurologic deficits, new onset of seizures, or a combination of seizures and neurologic deficits, shares clinical and radiologic similarities with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Differential diagnosis is critical because the treatment principle for these 2 conditions differs greatly. Here, we present a case of PRES-like CAA-RI and the strategy used to discriminate between the 2 conditions.

CASE PRESENTATION

A patient with probable CAA-RI was first thought to suffer from PRES. Initial high-dose methylprednisolone therapy caused rapid improvement of the neurologic symptoms but abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids resulted in clinical relapse and deterioration. Subsequent reinitiation of high-dose methylprednisolone followed by tapering off of oral prednisone led to clinical and radiologic recovery at the 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that in cases where it is difficult to distinguish between CAA-RI and PRES solely based on magnetic resonance imaging, a good response to corticosteroids and an apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4/ε4 genotype are critical for establishing a diagnosis of CAA-RI. If there is clinical deterioration, sudden withdrawal of high-dose corticosteroid during the active phase of CAA-RI should be avoided.

Pontine lesion in hyperglycemic crises: Relevance to osmotic demyelination syndrome and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

We herein describe a case of type 1 diabetes that presented with a pontine lesion during two hyperglycemic crises accompanied by marked fluctuations in serum osmotic pressure and blood pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging showed swollen pons with osmotic demyelination syndrome characteristics accompanying cytotoxic edema at the first crisis. The involvement of vasogenic edema was also assumed in the second crisis. Neurological symptoms were milder than magnetic resonance imaging findings. The patient recovered after 7 days without sequelae in both crises. Based on these findings, a pontine lesion needs to be considered in patients with poorly controlled diabetes showing rapid metabolic and blood pressure changes, as observed in hyperglycemic crises. Cytotoxic edema leading to osmotic demyelination syndrome and vasogenic edema caused by vascular endothelial cell damage might both be involved in the pathogenesis of a pontine lesion.

Paediatric posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: is there an association of blood pressure with imaging severity and atypical magnetic resonance characteristics?

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is relatively uncommon in paediatric patients; however, its pathophysiology remains obscure.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to find an association or correlation between (1) blood pressures and (2) imaging severity and the presence of atypical imaging features in children with PRES.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional evaluation in children diagnosed with PRES. We reviewed radiologic findings along with each patient's clinical profile and outcome. We categorised imaging severity into mild, moderate and severe, and assessed the MR imaging pattern, enhancement and diffusion restriction for each child. We assessed both associations and correlations between variables using the chi-square test, Cramer V and Kendall tau b.

RESULTS

A total of 63 children met the inclusion criteria (31 boys; mean age 9.7 years). A total of 42 children (67%) had an elevated blood pressure. Imaging showed parieto-occipital lobe involvement pattern in 24 (38%) children, frontal lobe pattern in 25 (40%) and cerebellar involvement in 12 (19%). Three (5%) had haemorrhage, 15 (24%) had contrast enhancement and 19 (30%) had positive diffusion restriction (cytotoxic oedema). We found no statistically significant association between imaging severity and blood pressures (P=0.11), nor any association between blood pressure and atypical imaging findings such as diffusion restriction (P=0.1), enhancement (P=0.11) or haemorrhage (P=0.33).

CONCLUSION

According to our results, there is no statistically significant association or correlation between blood pressure and either imaging severity or atypical imaging features in children with PRES. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Autoimmune encephalitis with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neuroimaging-based syndrome and is associated with multifocal vasogenic cerebral edema. Patients with PRES frequently demonstrate headache, seizure, encephalopathy, altered mental function, visual loss and so on. We here report a patient who showed persistent neurologic deficits after PRES and was ultimately diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis (AE).

CASE SUMMARY

This case exhibits a rare imaging manifestation of anti-casper 2 encephalitis which was initially well-matched with PRES and associated vasogenic edema.

CONCLUSION

AE should be further considered when the etiology, clinical manifestations, and course of PRES are atypical.

Postpartum posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome secondary to preeclampsia and cerebrospinal fluid leakage: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Postpartum posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is not uncommon. Its mechanisms and risk factors are not clear.

CASE SUMMARY

A 28-year-old woman underwent cesarean section but had inadvertent dural puncture during epidural anesthesia. To manage the symptoms of intracranial hypotension, crystalloid fluid was infused. However, the patient developed postpartum preeclampsia and PRES. The patient was treated with diazepam and dehydration therapy. The signs of cerebral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging disappeared on postpartum day 7.

CONCLUSION

Postpartum preeclampsia and PRES can develop concomitantly. Treating postdural puncture headaches with infusion of crystalloid fluid may precipitate the development of PRES.

Imaging Findings in Neonatal and Pediatric Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) Differ From Adults

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is classically a reversible clinical radiographic syndrome associated with predominantly posterior leukoencephalopathy on neuroimaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults demonstrates almost universally reversible parietal-occipital disease. We aimed to demonstrate in a cohort of children that "atypical" distribution is expected, acutely and on follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective review of children diagnosed with PRES from 2010 to 2018 at our children's hospital was performed. All had MRI at diagnoses, with over half having follow-up MRIs. Images were reviewed by a neuroradiology-trained pediatric radiologist for confirmation of findings consistent with PRES/identification of involved regions.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (aged zero to 18 years, 53% female) were included. Notably, two were infants. Nearly all had seizures; all had altered mental status and hypertension. Fifteen (84%) had MRI described as "atypical." Distribution of MRI findings was anatomically widespread, including nine with frontal findings. Twelve (63%) had follow-up imaging, of which approximately half remained abnormal.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric PRES MRI findings were more often atypical at time of diagnosis. Vasogenic edema related to the acute phases of PRES typically resolved; however, follow-up imaging identified new volume loss in the areas affected. Two of our subjects were younger than 13 months, younger than typically described. Our series demonstrates that imaging distribution in children with PRES does not mirror the classical posterior, reversible distribution described in adults and continues the recent trend of identifying PRES in infants.

Factors associated with acute symptomatic seizure occurrence among patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to define the factors associated with acute symptomatic seizure occurrence in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in the Thai-Asian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study enrolling patients with PRES admitted to the hospital between 2006 and 2019. In addition to seizure characteristics, baseline characteristics, clinical presentations, precipitating factors, neuroimaging characteristics, hospital complications, and hospital outcomes were compared between the seizure and non-seizure groups. Factors with p-value <0.05 in the univariate analysis were entered into the first model of multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the factors associated with seizure occurrence if the p-value <0.05. The interaction of associated factors was also analyzed in the final multiple logistic regression analysis model.

RESULTS

Acute symptomatic seizure, which is mainly based on the clinical documentation without electroencephalography, occurred in 50.0% of 136 patients with PRES. Of these, early seizures within 14 days of PRES occurred in 98.5% which mostly developed at presentation (82.4%) with a single seizure attack (55.9%). Convulsive seizures (77.9%) were the most common seizure semiology. The seizure group was significantly younger (median [interquartile range: IQR] 36.00 years old (21.75-48.50) vs 46.50 years old (31.25-61.00), p = 0.003). In univariate analysis, the seizure group had a higher prevalence of consciousness impairment (61.76% vs 26.47%, p < 0.001), Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 0-13 (42.46% vs 13.23%, p < 0.001), preeclampsia (20.58% vs 4.41%, p = 0.004), autoimmune disease (17.65% vs 5.88%, p = 0.033), and frontal lesions (25.00% vs 11.76%, p = 0.046) than those in the non-seizure group. In contrast, the seizure group had a lower prevalence of headache (27.94% vs 61.76%, p < 0.001). In the final multivariate logistic regression analysis which included the interaction terms, the acute symptomatic seizure occurrence directly associated with preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.426, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.450-27.031, p = 0.016) and autoimmune disease (aOR 4.962, 95% CI 1.283-18.642, p = 0.025), while headache showed a reverse association (aOR 0.310, 95% CI = 0.158-0.721, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute symptomatic seizure occurred in a half of patients with PRES in this cohort. Preeclampsia and autoimmune disease were directly associated with seizure occurrence, while headache showed a reverse association.

Comment on “Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with metastatic breast cancer: A case report”

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic encephalopathic state, manifesting clinical symptoms of headache, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, and seizures. Although several diseases have been identified as causative of PRES, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Song et al recently published “Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a patient with metastatic breast cancer: A case report“ in the World Journal of Clinical Cases, highlighting and discussing the role of hypercalcemia in PRES as related to uncontrolled hypertension. To build upon this case description, we provide further insight into the possible underlying mechanisms of PRES through this commentary.

Mepolizumab-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), a new patient report

BACKGROUND

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic state characterized by seizures, headache, vision change, paresis, and altered mental status. PRES has an important place in medicine due to the wide variety of causative diseases, infections, and medications that precipitate its mysterious onset. Although exposure to medications, particularly immunosuppressants, cancer chemotherapy, and biologic drugs, is a common occurrence in patients who develop PRES, Mepolizumab has never before been associated.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report of a 67-year-old male patient outlines the first reported case of Mepolizumab-induced PRES in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of severe asthma, asthma-exacerbations, and diseases such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Churg-Strauss) with Mepolizumab is rapidly gaining popularity ever since the drug's recent FDA-approval. This report aims to raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening and previously unreported side effect of Mepolizumab since early identification of the causative agent is the key to preventing the severe neurologic disability and possible death that may occur from the delayed treatment of PRES.

Foreign accent syndrome and other neuropsychological sequelae of a parieto-occipital lesion following COVID-19 associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We describe a previously fit and well 54-year-old female who acquired a range of severe and persisting neuropsychological impairments following a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) complication of COVID-19. The initial presentation included aphasia, a neurogenic foreign accent syndrome (FAS) and a persisting complete cortical blindness from the underpinning parieto-occipital brain injury.

METHOD

Neuropsychological single clinical case report.

RESULTS

The patient retained insight and made good early progress with their adjustment to the numerous losses caused by the COVID-19 associated acquired brain injury. Comprehensive neuropsychological investigation characterised an acalculia, along with deficits in focused, sustained and divided attention impacting on verbal memory, working memory and executive functioning, amongst numerous relative strengths.

CONCLUSION

Similar to PRES from other aetiologies, COVID-19 associated PRES can in some cases cause irreversible acquired brain injury. The diverse neuropsychological effects need to be comprehensively investigated and managed. This case adds to the neuropsychological literature on PRES, FAS and acquired brain injury as a rare complication of SARS-CoV-2.

Predictors of hospital outcomes among patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to identify independent predictors of the clinical outcomes of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in the Thai-Asian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study recruited PRES patients admitted in the hospital between 2006 and 2019. The baseline characteristics, clinical presentations, precipitating factors, neuroimaging characteristics, hospital complications, and hospital outcomes were compared between the groups with favourable (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score, 0-2) and unfavourable (mRS score, 3-6) clinical outcomes. Factors presenting with p-values < 0.5 in univariate analysis were analysed in the multiple logistic regression model to determine independent predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

Among 136 PRES patients, 22.80% experienced unfavourable outcomes (mRS score, 3-6), and the mortality rate was 7.35%. The common presenting symptoms in the unfavourable clinical outcome group were impairment of consciousness (90.32%) and seizures (67.74%). Sepsis as a hospital complication (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 32.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.44-244.22, p = 0.001), acute kidney injury as a hospital complication (aOR, 9.94; 95% CI, 1.71-57.66; p = 0.010), and impairment of consciousness (aOR, 10.85; 95% CI, 1.72-68.53, p = 0.011) were independent predictors of unfavourable outcomes. On the other hand, headache was an independent protective factor (aOR, 0.164; 95% CI, 0.03-0.91; p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Impairment of consciousness, sepsis as a hospital complication, and acute kidney injury were independent predictors of unfavourable clinical outcomes, whereas headache showed a preventive effect.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome secondary to acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in a child: a case report from the Tibetan plateau

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a disorder of reversible vasogenic brain oedema with acute neurologic symptoms. It is a rare but serious disease that affects the central nervous system. PRES is a rare complication of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). High altitude can accelerate vasogenic brain oedema by increasing cerebral blood flow (CBF), impairing cerebral autoregulation and promoting vascular inflammation. We report a case of PRES induced by acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis in a high-altitude environment.

Case presentation

A fourteen-year-old Tibetan girl presented with progressive headache with haematuria, facial swelling, dizziness and vomiting for 2 weeks as well as multiple episodes of tonic–clonic seizures for 14 h. She was diagnosed with APSGN based on laboratory tests and clinical symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral frontal, parietal and occipital lesions that were compatible with the radiological diagnosis of PRES. The treatments included an antibiotic (penicillin), an antiepileptic drug, and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. Follow-up MRI obtained 1 week after admission and CT obtained 4 weeks and 6 weeks after admission demonstrated complete resolution of the brain lesions.

Conclusions

The case illustrates a rare occurrence of PRES following APSGN in a 14-year-old child in the Tibetan Plateau. The hypoxic conditions of a high-altitude setting might lower the cerebral autoregulation threshold and amplify the endothelial inflammatory reaction, thus inducing PRES in patients with APSGN. It is important to recognize the clinical and radiologic features of PRES, and adjuvant HBO therapy can promote rapid recovery from this condition in high-altitude areas.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome - A pathology that should not be overlooked in the era of COVID-19

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may determine a series of neurological complications directly, by invasion of the nervous system or indirectly, secondary to systemic organ failure. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) represents a clinical and radiological neurological entity involving predominantly the occipital lobes. PRES was observed in patients receiving cytotoxic drugs, patients suffering from infectious diseases and sepsis, hypertensive emergencies and eclampsia, renal or autoimmune diseases. As more infectious SARS-COV-2 variants are now dominant in most of the Europe, an increasing number of patients is presenting to the Emergency Department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case report of a 38-year-old patient, with previous exposure to SARS-COV-2 presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, dyspnea, cortical blindness and aphasia. The patient had been exhibiting fever, cough and shortness of breath in the previous 10 days. He had no relevant medical history and was receiving antibiotics and corticosteroids as prescribed by his general practitioner.

RESULTS

Laboratory findings together with the thoracic computed tomography scan were consistent with the diagnosis of severe SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. The cerebral MRI scans showed bilateral T2-weighted/FLAIR hyperintensities that were suggestive for PRES. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 complicated with PRES. He received adequate treatment and the symptoms resolved in 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a rare and interesting case of a patient with PRES and COVID-19 as underlying pathology, in whom rapid diagnosis in the ED and early initiation of appropriate treatment led to full recovery. Immediate extensive work-up in patients with COVID-19 and neurological symptoms proves to be paramount for best outcome. To our knowledge this is the first case of PRES described in a patient with Delta variant of SARS-COV-2.

Cerebral perfusion in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome measured with arterial spin labeling MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The pathophysiologic basis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) remains controversial. Hypertension (HTN)-induced autoregulatory failure with subsequent hyperperfusion is the leading hypothesis, whereas alternative theories suggest vasoconstriction-induced hypoperfusion as the underlying mechanism. Studies using contrast-based CT and MR perfusion imaging have yielded contradictory results supporting both ideas. This work represents one of the first applications of arterial spin labeling (ASL) to evaluate cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes in PRES.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, MRI reports at our institution from 07/2015 to 09/2020 were retrospectively searched and reviewed for mention of "PRES" and "posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome." Of the resulting 103 MRIs (performed on GE 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanners), 20 MRIs in 18 patients who met the inclusion criteria of clinical and imaging diagnosis of PRES and had diagnostic-quality pseudocontinuous ASL scans were included. Patients with a more likely alternative diagnosis, technically non-diagnostic ASL, or other intracranial abnormalities limiting assessment of underlying PRES features were excluded. Perfusion in FLAIR-affected brain regions was qualitatively assessed using ASL and characterized as hyperperfusion, normal, or hypoperfusion. Additional quantitative analysis was performed by measuring average gray matter CBF in abnormal versus normal brain regions.

RESULTS

HTN was the most common PRES etiology (65%). ASL showed hyperperfusion in 13 cases and normal perfusion in 7 cases. A hypoperfusion pattern was not identified. Quantitative analysis of gray matter CBF among patients with visually apparent hyperperfusion showed statistically higher perfusion in affected versus normal appearing brain regions (median CBF 100.4 ml/100 g-min vs. 61.0 ml/ 100 g-min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Elevated ASL CBF was seen in the majority (65%) of patients with PRES, favoring the autoregulatory failure hypothesis as a predominant mechanism. Our data support ASL as a practical way to assess and noninvasively monitor cerebral perfusion in PRES that could potentially alter management strategies.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with metastatic breast cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic encephalopathic state with clinical symptoms such as headache, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, and seizures. Vasogenic edema occurs predominantly in the posterior occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. PRES is caused by various diseases, and its mechanism remains unclear. However, it can be easily diagnosed based on characteristic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.

CASE SUMMARY

A 51-year-old woman with unremarkable past medical history presented with progressively worsening back pain since 2 mo. Physical examinations revealed paralumbar muscle tenderness, a large lesion on the right breast and several mass-like lesions on both breasts. The blood pressure (BP) was elevated (150/90 mmHg), and did not respond to antihypertensive medication. On the seventh day of hospitalization, she exhibited a confused mental status and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. On magnetic resonance imaging, bilateral cortical and subcortical edema of the occipital lobes, suggestive of PRES, was observed. The serum calcium was 15.8 mg/dL. After two days of treatment with nicardipine, elcatonin, and zolendronic acid, her BP was 130/91 mmHg and serum calcium was 10.1 mg/dL. The patient regained consciousness and her mental status improved. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography revealed right breast cancer with extensive metastases.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, hypercalcemia can lead to PRES by causing uncontrolled hypertension. Prompt diagnosis can help prevent severe mental disturbances and even death.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy: Experience from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is frequently encountered in sepsis and is often accompanied by neuroimaging findings indicating ischemia, hemorrhage, and edema. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been vastly underrecognized in previously reported cohorts of patients with sepsis and SAE. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and distinguishing clinical, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography features of PRES in SAE.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, patients with radiologically identified PRES were selected from a consecutively enrolled cohort of 156 patients with SAE and assessed for neurological outcome using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale for 12 months. Patients with SAE and PRES and other types of brain lesions were compared in terms of clinical and diagnostic workup features.

RESULTS

Fourteen of 156 patients (8.9%) were determined to be radiologically compatible with PRES, whereas 48 patients displayed other types of acute brain lesions. Patients with PRES often showed lesions in atypical regions, including frontal lobes, the corpus callosum, and the basal ganglia. Source of infection was mostly gram-negative bacteria originating from pneumonia or intraabdominal infections. Patients with PRES were not different from other patients with SAE with brain lesions in terms of features of sepsis and neurological outcome. However, patients with PRES showed increased prevalence of seizures and intraabdominal source of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

PRES is highly prevalent in SAE, often encompasses unusual brain regions, and usually presents with generalized seizures. Patients with SAE and PRES do not appear to have distinguishing clinical and diagnostic workup features. However, generalized seizures may serve as warning signs for presence of PRES in patients with SAE.