Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in a Chronic Alcoholic Patient after Having Steam Bath: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare disorder that is associated with hypertensive crises. In this article, we present a 59-year-old male patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) caused by an acute hypertensive crisis after entering a steam bath in alcohol intoxicated status. In our case, oxidative stress resulting from alcohol metabolism may have lead to blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, serving as an aggravating factor in PRES. Thus we must always consider the possibility of PRES when treating chronic alcoholic patients with abnormal neurologic symptoms.