Long-Term Outcomes After Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome.

Background and Purpose- We aimed to further investigate the long-term outcomes after reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Methods- A longitudinal follow-up study was conducted in 173 RCVS patients. Results- Of the 172 patients who completed a mean follow-up of 9.2±3.3 years, 10 had a recurrent RCVS that was benign in all. Independent predictors of relapse were having a history of migraine and having exercise as a trigger for thunderclap headache during initial RCVS. After new delivery, the rate of postpartum RCVS was 9%. Conclusions- Overall, long-term outcome after RCVS is excellent.

Concomitant reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and transient global amnesia.

BACKGROUND: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a common cause of thunderclap headache (TCH), mainly recurrent, sometimes associated with seizures and/or neurological deficit. Association with amnesia is exceptional. We report a case series of RCVS concomitant with transient global amnesia (TGA) and propose pathophysiologic hypotheses. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological features of patients diagnosed with confirmed concomitant RCVS and TGA between 2012 and 2018 in two specialized institutions. RESULTS: Two women aged 67 and 53, and a 64-year-old man had a first thunderclap headache triggered by an acute emotional stress, rapidly followed by TGA. Amnesia resolved within a few hours and RCVS was proven for all, with complete resolution of vasospasms within 3 months. All three patients had excellent outcome. CONCLUSIONS: RCVS and TGA can occur simultaneously, which suggests common mechanisms such as aberrant responses to physical or emotional stress and cerebral vasoconstriction.