Clinical and imaging features of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion in children / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical and imaging features of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion(AESD) in children. Methods: For the case series study, 21 children with AESD from Peking University First Hospital, Provincial Children's Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanxi Children's Hospital who were diagnosed and treated from October 2021 to July 2023 were selected. Clinical data were collected to summarize their clinical information, imaging, and laboratory tests, as well as treatment and prognostic characteristics. Descriptive statistical analysis was applicated. Results: Of the 21 cases with AESD, 11 were males and 10 were females, with the age of onset of 2 years and 6 months (1 year and 7 months, 3 years and 6 months). Of the 21 cases, 18 were typical cases with biphasic seizures. All typical cases had early seizures within 24 hours before or after fever onset. Among them, 16 cases had generalized seizures, 2 cases had focal seizures, and 7 cases reached the status epilepticus. Of the 21 cases, 3 atypical cases had late seizures in biphasic only. The late seizures in the 21 cases occurred on days 3 to 9. The types of late seizures included focal seizures in 12 cases, generalized seizures in 6 cases, and both focal and generalized seizures in 3 cases. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) test on days 3 to 11 showed reduced diffusion of subcortical white matter which was named "bright tree sign" in all cases. The diffuse cerebral atrophy predominantly presented in the front-parietal-temporal lobes was found in 19 cases between day 12 and 3 months after the onset of the disease. Among 21 cases, 20 had been misdiagnosed as autoimmune encephalitis, central nervous system infection, febrile convulsions, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome. All the cases received high-dose gammaglobulin and methylprednisolone pulse therapy with poor therapeutic effect. By July 2023, 18 cases were under follow-up. Among them, 17 cases were left with varying degrees of neurologic sequelae, including 11 cases with post-encephalopathic epilepsy; 1 recovered completely. Conclusions: AESD is characterized by biphasic seizures clinically and "bright tree sign" on DWI images. Symptomatic and supportive treatments are recommended. The immunotherapy is ineffective. The prognosis of AESD is poor, with a high incidence of neurological sequelae and a low mortality.

Magnetic resonance imaging changes and clinical features of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a rare clinical imaging syndrome. The causes of RPLS are complex and diverse, the pathogenesis is not yet clear. The onset is urgent and the onset age span is large, ranging from children to the elderly. The clinical symptoms of RPLS have no significant specificity, which can be manifested as headache, blurred vision, disturbance of consciousness or seizures. Clinicians have little knowledge on the disease, which may lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. This study aims to analyze and summarize the MRI changes and clinical characteristics regarding RPLS patients, so as to provide basis for rapid diagnosis and timely intervention for this disease.@*METHODS@#The clinical data and complete imaging data of 77 patients with RPLS diagnosed in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2012 to March 2021 were retrospectively collected. The main image data include T1 weighted imaging (T1WI), T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), T2 liquid attenuation inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) (b value=1 000×10-6 mm2/s), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The case group included 63 patients who underwent DWI examination, and 71 normal controls matched in age and sex. The characteristics of patients' magnetic resonance signals and the ADC value of 19 regions of interest (ROI) were analyzed. The differences in bilateral ADC value in the case group, the difference of ADC value between the case group and the normal control group, and the difference of ADC value in the case group before and after treatment were compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal control group, the ADC value of the right frontal lobe, bilateral parietal lobe, bilateral thalamus, bilateral head of caudate nucleus, left lenticular nucleus, right internal capsule, bilateral temporal lobe and pons in the case group were significantly higher (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in ADC value of bilateral sides of the case group and before and after treatment in the case group (all P>0.01). The lesions of RPLS were widely distributed and multiple, usually high signal in the posterior parieto temporo occipital lobe or pons of the brain, and involved the cortex and subcortical white matter. Most of them were bilateral, but not completely symmetrical.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The imaging manifestations of RPLS and the occurrence and development of clinical symptoms are basically synchronous. The imaging manifestations are specific. Magnetic resonance imaging can show the range of involvement of RPLS. ADC value can provide information on the severity of the disease and predict the prognosis. There are few reversible diseases. It is very important to fully understand and timely diagnose the disease.

Síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível em paciente com COVID-19 submetida à oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient submitted to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19

RESUMO Uma mulher com 63 anos de idade compareceu ao pronto-socorro com história aguda de febre, prostração e dispneia. Recebeu diagnóstico de quadro grave da COVID-19 e síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Apesar de suporte clínico intensivo, cumpriu os critérios para ser submetida à oxigenação venovenosa por membrana extracorpórea. No dia 34, após 7 dias de desmame da sedação com evolução positiva de seu quadro neurológico, apresentou uma crise tônico-clônica generalizada limitada, não relacionada com desequilíbrio hidroeletrolítico ou metabólico, que levou à necessidade de investigação diagnóstica. Seus exames de imagem cerebral revelaram síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível. Este caso enfatiza a questão das complicações neurológicas em pacientes com COVID-19 grave e a importância do diagnóstico e suporte precoces.

ABSTRACT A 63-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with an acute history of fever, prostration and dyspnea. She was diagnosed with severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome and, despite optimized critical care support, met the indications for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. On day 34, after 7 days of wean sedation with a positive evolution of neurologic status, she presented a limited generalized tonic-clonic seizure not related to hydroelectrolytic or metabolic imbalance, which led to a diagnostic investigation; her brain imaging tests showed a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. This case emphasizes the issue of neurological complications in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and the importance of early diagnosis and support.

Leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible en pacientes trasplantados. Presentación clínica, radiológica y evolución / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in transplanted patients. Clinical features and imaging follow up

Resumen El síndrome de leucoencefalopatía posterior reversible (PRES) es un desorden neurológico agudo caracterizado por cefalea, alteración de la conciencia, convulsiones y alteraciones visuales, con imágenes de edema vasogénico reversible en regiones cerebrales posteriores. Nos propusimos describir una serie de casos de pacientes trasplantados que desarrollaron PRES, caracterizando su presentación, evolución clínica, imágenes y terapéutica. Se analizaron historias clínicas informatizadas desde enero 2009 hasta enero 2019. Se recabaron datos demográficos, antecedentes clínicos, motivos y días de internación, tiempos desde el trasplante a la presentación clínica y diagnóstico. Se evaluó la mejoría/resolución en estudios por imágenes y la supervivencia anual. Se identificaron 27 pacientes con PRES; 22 trasplantados de órgano sólido de 1647 totales (1.3%) y 5 de médula ósea de 617 totales (0.8%). La media de edad fue de 38.2 años (DS 19.5), 62.9% de sexo femenino, 59.2% (16) antes del año del trasplante. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes enfermedad renal (14; 51%) e hipertensión arterial (11; 40%). Se realizó tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) a 23 pacientes (85.1%), siendo patológica en 11 (47.8%), y resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) a 25 (92.6%), mostrando patrón característico en 17 (62.9%), con mejoría/resolución antes del año en 20 (74%). El tratamiento fue sintomático, modificando la inmunosupresión. Se registraron 5 óbitos durante la internación y otros 3 antes del año, con una supervivencia anual del 70.3% (19). La población de trasplantados, en crecimiento en nuestro medio, es particularmente susceptible al PRES. Tanto su presentación en estudios por imágenes, como su comorbilidad, difieren de otras poblaciones.

Abstract Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an acute neurological disorder characterized by headache, encephalopathy, seizures and visual disturbances, with reversible vasogenic edema in posterior brain areas. The aim of this research was to describe a case series of transplanted patients who developed PRES, characterize their presentation, treatment, clinical and imaging evolution. Electronic medi cal records were analyzed from January 2009 to January 2019. Demographic data, clinical backgrounds, causes of admission, hospital length of stay and time from transplantation to PRES were collected. Image improvement/ resolution and annual survival were assessed. We identified 27 patients with PRES; 22 of 1647 total solid-organ transplant (1.3%) and 5 of 617 total bone marrow transplant (0.8%). The mean age at presentation was 38.2 years (SD 19.5), 62.9% female, 59.2% (16) before the year of transplantation. The most common comorbidities were kidney disease (14; 51%) and high blood pressure (11; 40%). Computed axial tomography (CT) was per formed in 23 patients (85.1%), with pathological findings in 11 (47.8%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 25 (92.6%), showed a characteristic pattern in 17 (62.9%) with improvement/resolution before the year in 20 (74%). Treatment was symptomatic, modifying immunosuppression. Five deaths were recorded during hospital stay and another 3 before the year of admission, with an annual survival of 70.3% (19 patients). Organ transplant trend is growing in our region. These patients are particularly susceptible to PRES, with a different imaging presentation and comorbidities from other populations.

Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome in a 10-year-old child / Síndrome da encefalopatia reversível posterior em uma criança de 10 anos

Abstract Introduction: The posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES) syndrome encompasses a set of clinical-radiological findings associated with severe systemic arterial hypertension. This case report proposes to discuss the identification, diagnosis, and management of PRES in the pediatric population. Case presentation: Female patient, 10 years old, admitted to the emergency room with complaint of oliguria and generalized edema. At the initial physical exam, the only alteration present was anasarca. The diagnostic investigation revealed nephrotic syndrome, and clinical treatment was started. She evolved on the 8th day of hospitalization with peak hypertension, sudden visual loss, reduced level of consciousness, nystagmus, and focal seizures requiring intubation. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, with neurological improvement, after the established therapy. CT scan revealed a discrete hypodense area in the white matter of the occipital lobe and anteroposterior groove asymmetry, compatible with PRES. Discussion: PRES is due to vasogenic cerebral edema of acute or subacute installation. Symptoms include headache and altered consciousness, stupor, coma, neurological deficits, seizures and cortical blindness. Nephropathies are the main cause of PRES in pediatrics. Magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion of molecules is the gold standard for diagnosis. The initial treatment objectives are the reduction of blood pressure, antiepileptic therapy, correction of hydroelectrolytic and acid-base disorders and management of intracranial hypertension. Conclusion: PRES is associated with acute hypertension. Early diagnosis and proper management may determine a better prognosis and minimize the severity of the clinical course.

Resumo Introdução: A Síndrome de Encefalopatia Posterior Reversível (SEPR) engloba um conjunto de achados clínico-radiológicos, associados a hipertensão arterial sistêmica grave. Este relato de caso propõe discutir a identificação, o diagnóstico e o manejo de SEPR na população pediátrica. Apresentação do caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 10 anos, admitida em pronto-atendimento com queixa de oligúria e edema generalizado. Ao exame físico inicial, a única alteração presente era anasarca. A investigação diagnóstica revelou síndrome nefrótica, iniciando-se tratamento clínico. Evoluiu no 8º dia de internação com pico hipertensivo, perda visual súbita, redução do nível de consciência, nistagmo e crises convulsivas focais, demandando intubação. Foi transferida para Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, com melhora neurológica, após a terapêutica instituída. Tomografia de crânio evidenciou área de hipodensidade discreta em substância branca do lobo occipital e assimetria anteroposterior de sulcos, compatível com SEPR. Discussão: A SEPR decorre de edema cerebral vasogênico de instalação aguda ou subaguda. Sintomas descritos incluem cefaleia e alteração de consciência, estupor, coma, déficits neurológicos, convulsões e cegueira cortical. As nefropatias constituem as principais causas de SEPR em pediatria. A ressonância magnética com difusão de moléculas é o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico. Os objetivos iniciais são a redução dos níveis pressóricos, terapia antiepiléptica, correção de distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos e do equilíbrio ácido-básico, e manejo da hipertensão intracraniana. Conclusão: A SEPR ocorre associada à hipertensão aguda. O diagnóstico precoce e manejo adequado podem determinar melhor prognóstico e minimizar a gravidade do curso clínico.

Diagnosis and management of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. Case report / Diagnóstico y manejo de síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible asociado a lupus eritematoso sistémico. Reporte de caso clínico

ABSTRACT Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological disorder that may include encephalopathy, seizures, headache, and visual disturbances. It is associated with conditions that induce endothelial damage, causing vasogenic cerebral edema that can be observed in magnetic resonance scans. It occurs in <1% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is usually resolved with timely treatment, but delays may lead to neurological sequelae or death. A case of PRES is presented in a patient with SLE with severe activity, a hypertensive emergency, and lupus glomerulonephritis debuting with epileptic status. The outcome was satisfactory with anticonvulsants, as well as treatment for her cerebral edema and hypertension, along with control of other causal factors.

RESUMEN El síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible (PRES) es un trastorno clínico-radiológico caracterizado por encefalopatía, convulsiones, cefalea y alteraciones visuales. Se asocia a entidades que ocasionan daño endotelial, causando edema cerebral vasogénico evidente en resonancia magnética. En pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) se presenta en < 1%. Con tratamiento oportuno usualmente resuelve; caso contrario puede producir secuelas neurológicas o muerte. Se reporta el caso de PRES en una paciente con LES con actividad severa, emergencia hipertensiva y glomerulonefritis lúpica que comienza con estatus epiléptico. Evolucionó satisfactoriamente con tratamiento anticonvulsivante, antiedema cerebral, antihipertensivo y control de los demás factores causales.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis Overlap Syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by neurotoxic symptoms and neuroimaging finding of reversible cerebral edema in association with various conditions including hypertension, eclampsia, and autoimmune diseases. The author experienced a 47-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis overlap syndrome who developed PRES. The patient presented with alteration of consciousness in association with hypertension and increased autoimmune activity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed vasogenic edema in the bilateral cerebral cortex, subcortical white matter, basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum.

Severe Hypogammaglobulinemia Associated with Active Lupus Nephritis Treatment Resulting in Cytomegalovirus Infection

Patients with severe active lupus nephritis (LN) require immunosuppressive therapy to induce remission. However, the development of profound hypogammaglobulinemia causing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a rare occurrence during standard immunotherapy. A 27-year-old woman who presented with active LN along with moderate renal impairment was treated with of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and methylprednisolone. MMF was soon switched with low-dose intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide (CYC) owing to the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and deterioration of renal function requiring hemodialysis. After two cycles of IV CYC, she developed CMV colitis and pneumonia. Although her serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations before receiving immunosuppressive treatment were normal, they were profoundly reduced at CMV disease onset and continued to maintain low level for 30 months. Severe hypogammaglobulinemia can occur during standard therapy for LN, especially in patients with impaired renal function, pointing out the importance of close monitoring of Ig levels and CMV infection.

Cerebrovascular complications during pregnancy and postpartum

Cerebrovascular complications that more likely to occur during pregnancy or postpartum include cerebral venous thrombosis, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and postpartum angiopathy, which although rare, can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and fetus. Pregnancy is a very unique condition, especially, in terms of treatment and, as such, neurointensivists must always consider its potential effects on the fetus. The purpose of this review is to help understand the physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum, and to inform treatment decisions regarding pregnancy-related cerebrovascular complications.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a woman who used gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists: a case report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a newly described adverse effect possibly associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy. We report a case of PRES after 2 doses of depot GnRH agonists in a 44-year-old woman with a huge myoma uteri and iron-deficiency anemia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal lesions in both occipital lobes on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images, compatible with PRES. After treatment with anticonvulsant, she recovered both radiographically and clinically. The association between PRES and GnRH agonist use is still enigmatic, and thus should be further clarified.

Síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível: uma patologia pouco descrita no idoso / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a disease rarely described in older adults

A síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível, conhecida como PRES, é rara e pouco descrita em idosos e é caracterizada pelo início subagudo de um conjunto de sinais clínicos e radiológicos e uma variedade de sintomas neurológicos, como cefaleia, crises convulsivas e transtornos da cognição. Na grande maioria dos pacientes, a apresentação clínica inclui pressão arterial elevada e emergência hipertensiva. A ressonância magnética (RM) é o exame padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico imaginológico dessa entidade. O quadro clínico e as alterações de imagens podem se tornar reversíveis caso seja detectada precocemente e tratada a causa base da síndrome. Os autores apresentam o caso clínico de uma idosa de 87 anos, internada para tratamento de pneumonia comunitária retornando ao setor de emergência 24 horas após a alta hospitalar apresentando sintomas neurológicos visuais complexos. Ao exame de RM, observaram-se lesões de hipodensidades occipitais bilaterais, sugestivas de edema vasogênico, compatível com PRES. Após o rigoroso controle da pressão arterial, verificou-se a reversibilidade total dessas lesões cerebrais.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a disease rarely described in older adults. It is characterized by subacute onset of a set of clinical and radiological signs and a variety of neurological symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, and cognitive disorders. In the vast majority of patients, clinical presentation includes high blood pressure and hypertensive emergency. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for diagnosing this condition using imaging findings. When the underlying cause is promptly recognized and treated, symptoms and imaging abnormalities may be completely reversible. The authors report the clinical case of an 87-year-old woman first admitted for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. She returned to the emergency department 24 hours after discharge presenting with complex visual and neurological symptoms. An MRI scan showed lesions of bilateral occipital hypodensities, suggestive of vasogenic edema and compatible with PRES. Complete regression of brain lesions was observed after tight control of hypertension.

Encefalopatía posterior reversible en el curso de una emergencia hipertensiva, serie de cuatro niños hospitalizados en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Posterior reversible encephalopathy during a hypertensive emergency in 4 children hospitalized at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital / Encefalopatia reversível durante uma emergência hipertensiva em 4 crianças hospitalizadas no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell

Introducción: la encefalopatía posterior reversible (PRES) es un complejo sindromático caracterizado por cefaleas, crisis epilépticas, trastornos visuales y alteración del sensorio asociado a cambios en la sustancia blanca de lóbulos occipitales y parietales en la resonancia nuclear magnética. Se relaciona con diversas causas que provocan edema cerebral, entre las que se destaca la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y los tratamientos inmunosupresores. Descripción de casos: se incluyeron cuatro niños hospitalizados entre el 1 de enero de 2005 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015 en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. La mediana de edad fue 11,5 años. La manifestación clínica inicial en tres de los cuatro pacientes fue disnea y edemas generalizados. Todos presentaron hipertensión endocraneana y convulsiones generalizadas. La tomografía computada fue la primera imagen solicitada en todos los pacientes, evidenciado lesiones hipodensas córtico-subcorticales occipitales, parietales y frontales. Se realizó resonancia magnética en tres casos con hallazgos característicos. Todos presentaron síndrome nefrítico con cifras de tensión arterial mayores al P99, insuficiencia renal reversible, disminución de C3 y aumento del antiestreptolisina O (AELO). El control de HTA requirió politerapia en unidad de cuidado crítico. Ninguno presentó secuelas neurológicas. Conclusiones: la PRES es una asociación o manifestación poco habitual de la emergencia hipertensiva. Es necesaria la sospecha e identificación por parte del pediatra con el fin de realizar un abordaje terapéutico adecuado y precoz.

Introduction: posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES) is a complex syndrome characterized by headaches, epileptic seizures, visual disturbances and sensorial alterations associated to changes of white matter in parieto-occipital regions shown in magnetic nuclear resonance. It is linked to various causes that provoke cerebral edema including arterial hypertension (AH) and immunosuppressive treatments. Clinical cases: 4 children admitted between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2015 at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital. Median age: 11.5 years. The initial clinical manifestation in 3 of 4 patients was dyspnea and generalized edema. All of them presented endocranial hypertension and generalized convulsions. CT was the first requested image to all patients, and it was clear that all of them had experienced occipital cortical-subcortical, parietal and frontal hypodense lesions. In three of the cases we performed a Magnetic Resonance that showed typical findings. All of them presented nephritic syndrome with arterial hypertension over P99, reversible renal failure, a decrease of C3 and an increase of Antistreptolysin O (AELO). HTA control required polytherapy at the critical care unit. None of them presented neurological sequelae. Conclusions: PRES is an association or unusual manifestation of hypertensive emergency. Early detection by pediatricians seems essential to provide an appropriate therapeutic approach.

Introdução: a encefalopatia posterior reversível (PRES) é uma síndrome complexa caracterizada por dores de cabeça, convulsões epilépticas, distúrbios visuais e alterações sensoriais associadas à mudança da substância branca nas regiões parieto-occipitais observadas na ressonância magnética nuclear. Está ligada a várias causas que provocam o edema cerebral, incluindo hipertensão arterial (HA) e tratamentos imunossupressores. Casos clínicos: 4 crianças internadas entre 1º de janeiro de 2005 e 31 de dezembro de 2015 no Hospital Pediátrico Pereira Rossell. Idade mediana: 11,5 anos. A manifestação clínica inicial em 3 dos 4 pacientes foi dispneia e edema generalizado. Todos apresentaram hipertensão endocraniana e convulsões generalizadas. A TC foi a primeira imagem solicitada e todos os pacientes mostraram lesões occipitais corticais-subcorticais, parietais e hipodensas frontais evidentes. Em três dos casos, a Ressonância Magnética mostrou achados típicos. Todos apresentaram síndrome nefrítica com hipertensão arterial acima de P99, insuficiência renal reversível, diminuição de C3 e aumento de antiestreptolisina O (AELO). O controle de HTA requereu politerapia na unidade de terapia intensiva. Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou sequelas neurológicas. Conclusões: A PRES é uma associação ou manifestação de emergência hipertensiva pouco comum. A detecção precoce do pediatra é essencial para fornecer uma abordagem terapêutica adequada.

Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) after kidney transplantation: a case report / Síndrome da leucoencefalopatia posterior reversível (PRES) após transplante renal: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT Introduction: Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was first described by Hinchey in 1996. The syndrome is characterized by altered level of consciousness, headache, visual changes, and seizures associated with a vasogenic edema of the white matter that occurs predominantly in the occipital and parietal lobes. Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) support the diagnosis. Case Report: We report a case of a 48-year-old female patient who underwent a deceased donor kidney transplant and received tacrolimus as a part of the immunosuppressive regimen. Five weeks after transplantation she was admitted to the emergency due to sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, visual disturbances, and major headache. PRES was suspected and the diagnosis confirmed by brain MRI. Tacrolimus was withdrawn and rapid improvement of the neurological signs occurred leading to the conclusion that this drug triggered the syndrome. Conclusion: PRES is an unusual complication after organ transplantation and should be considered in the appropriate clinical setting. Physicians must be aware of this condition in order to provide early detection and appropriate treatment since delay in removing the cause may lead to permanent sequelae.

RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome da leucoencefalopatia posterior reversível (PRES) foi descrita pela primeira vez por Hinchey, em 1996. A síndrome é caracterizada por nível alterado de consciência, cefaleia, alterações visuais e convulsões associadas a edema vasogênico da substância branca, oriundo predominantemente nos lobos occipital e parietal. Exames de imagem como tomografia computadorizada (TC) e em particular a ressonância magnética (MRI) corroboram o diagnóstico. Relato de caso: relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino de 48 anos submetida a transplante renal com doador falecido em regime imunossupressor com tacrolimus. Cinco semanas após o transplante, a paciente deu entrada no pronto-socorro por conta de aparecimento súbito de confusão, desorientação, distúrbios visuais e cefaleia intensa. As suspeitas diagnósticas recaíram sobre PRES, e a confirmação foi feita por imagens de ressonância magnética do cérebro. Tacrolimus foi suspenso e os sinais neurológicos da paciente melhoraram rapidamente, indicando que o medicamento desencadeou a síndrome. Conclusão: PRES é uma complicação incomum após o transplante de órgãos e deve ser considerada em ambiente clínico adequado. O corpo clínico deve estar ciente dessa patologia, de modo a detectá- -la precocemente e dar início ao tratamento, uma vez que atrasos na eliminação da causa podem levar a sequelas permanentes.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

This case report concerns a 22-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She had intermittent fever, butterfly erythema, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, and multiple arthralgia in the past seven years, but she did not adhere to regular treatments. The edema of the lower extremities and face aggravated in the recent two weeks, so she was admitted to our Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology. Meanwhile, we found she had severe hypertension, the maximal blood pressure was 170/120 mmHg. The patient had high SLE disease activity (the disease activity index score was as high as 23) with blood involvement, acute renal insufficiency, multiple serous effusion and rash. After one week treatments of intravenous methylprednisolone 80 mg daily and other drugs, her conditions made some extent improvement. However, she suffered sudden epileptic attacks. No positive neuropathological signs were found, and the blood pressure was up to 190/130 mmHg before the onset of the seizures. Her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was 330 mmH2O, the CSF protein level was normal value, and the white blood cell count was 0 cell/mm3, with no signs of infection. Cranial MRI showed vasogenic edema at bilateral parietal, occipito-parietal regions, and centrum ovale. We prescribed drugs of decreasing intracranial pressure, intravenous drugs of decreasing blood pressure and midazolam for sedation, without corticosteroid impulse therapy. She recovered consciousness in the next day, without epilepsy recurrence. We eventually diagnosed it as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), according to the history, laboratory results, imaging featuresand clinical outcome. PRES is a disorder of reversible subcortical vasogenic brain edema in patients with acute neurological symptoms (eg, seizures, encephalopathy, headache, and visual disturbances). PRES is mainly caused by blood pressure changes or endothelial injury, which lead to breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and subsequent brain edema. Most patients have a favourable prognosis. SLE complicated with PRES is not rare, especially in patients with disease activity, hypertension, lupus nephritis and/or renal insufficiency, and use of cytotoxic drugs, early recognition and appropriate treatment remain important. Brainstem involvement, intracranial hemorrhage, renal insufficiency and high disease activity of lupus are risk factors for poor prognosis.

Clinical characteristics analysis of children with reversible posterior leukoen-cephalopathy syndrome during the treatment of hematological tumor / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with hematological tumor or disease before and after reversible posterior leukoen-cephalopathy syndrome (RPLS).@*METHODS@#Five patients were both from Peking University First Hospital Pediatric Hematology-oncology Department in the period from March 2012 to March 2017. The gender, age, BMI, underlying diseases, with or without renal damage, hypertension family history, clinical manifestations of convulsions, hemoglobin, and blood pressure, serum sodium levels before and after convulsion, and other data of the children with RPLS were retrospectively analyzed. In the meantime, we followed up the five patients for 6 months to 66 months, kept a watchful eye on their original condition and the recovery of symptoms and signs of the nervous system. The relevant literature was reviewed.@*RESULTS@#All of the subjects were females in school-age or pre-school age. The underlying diseases were malignant tumor associated with renal involvement or on one side of nephrectomy in 4 of these subjects, while the other one was refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia. All of the subjects suffered from mild or moderate anemia. The day before RPLS occurred they received chemotherapy made up with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and actinomycin-D, or the therapy with cyclosporin A and glucocorticoid. The clinical manifestations were afebrile convulsion after getting up in the mooring or in the afternoon. We observed elevation of blood pressure and cutting down of serum sodium compared with themselves. All of the cases recovered soon after management with diazepam, furosemide and amlodipine besylate. Four of them had a good outcomes and did not remain any sequela, while only one girl became childish in emotion and behavior, and then returned gradually to normal two years later. However, by long-term follow-up, the elevation of blood pressure was mainly reviewed in literature.@*CONCLUSION@#The patients attacked by RPLS, with hematology or oncology cases, could have the underlying disease of renal damage and anemia. Blood pressure elevation and serum sodium falling down at the same time may play an important role during the occurrence of RPLS. Remaining stable of blood pressure and electrolyte level together will possibly reduce or mitigate RPLS.

Superior Altitudinal Visual Field Defect as Initial Manifestation of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

No abstract available.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Combined with Uremia Encephalopathy

No abstract available.