Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome characterized by postpartum headache: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

We report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome characterized by postpartum thunderclap headache. The patient experienced a thunderclap headache on the second day after delivery, which gradually worsened. On postpartum day 4, she presented with sudden convulsion and hypertension on admission on May 19, 2020, and was initially diagnosed with postpartum eclampsia. We confirmed the diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome based on the results of cranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and other examinations and the consultation with neurologists. After antihypertensive and spasmolytic treatment, the patient's blood pressure returned to normal, and she was discharged on postpartum day 8. Reexamination with cranial MRA at 50 + days after delivery indicated that the cerebral vasospasm was relieved. No severe headaches or convulsions were observed during follow-up till June 2021.