Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a group of clinical syndromes typically characterized by bilateral reversible vasogenic edema of the subcortical white matter in the parieto-occipital region on neuroimaging that causes a wide variety of acute or subacute neurological symptoms, including headache, mental status alteration, seizures, and visual dysfunction. PRES is classically suspected in patients with severe hypertension, renal failure, autoimmune disorders, eclampsia, or immunosuppressant medications. Frequent neurological evaluations and neuroimaging examinations by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are required for both the diagnosis and assessment of the condition. Early detection of the disease is key for a rapid recovery and good prognosis.

Clinical Analysis of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With Epilepsy Seizures

“…The accompanying manifestations of epilepsy are related to the etiology of epilepsy. Intracranial hemorrhage can cause disturbance of consciousness, limb movement disorder, headache with nausea or vomiting; cerebral infarction can cause movement disorder or muscle tension change; MTX — related demyelinating encephalopathy can cause generalized seizures; MTX—related demyelinating encephalopathy and PRES may have disturbance of consciousness, language, blurred vision and characteristic transient neuroimaging changes ( 19 ). In this study, due to the relatively lack of specificity of symptoms, clinical diagnosis was mainly based on neuroimaging results and the sensitivity of medical staff to the disease on the basis of excluding other organic brain damage.…”

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Literature Review and Clinical Challenges

“…The diagnosis of PRES is usually based on a combination of typical neurological symptoms, radiographic abnormalities, and risk factors. However, it must be noted that the diagnosis cannot be made until other neurological disorders have been ruled out [3]. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is the standard diagnostic modality, demonstrating focal regions of symmetric hyperintensities on T2-weighted studies, most commonly in the parietal and occipital lobes, followed by the frontal lobes and the cerebellum [2].…”

“…Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal vessel autoregulation and endothelial dysfunction [1]. PRES involves the presence of bilateral reversible vasogenic edema of the subcortical white matter in the parieto-occipital region, which causes a wide variety of acute or subacute neurological symptoms [2,3]. The prevalence of PRES is seen in all age groups with a range from 4 to 90 years and a mean age of 45; women are more likely to suffer from PRES than men.…”

“…The prevalence of PRES is seen in all age groups with a range from 4 to 90 years and a mean age of 45; women are more likely to suffer from PRES than men. According to the Kid's Inpatient Database in the United States, pediatric patients can also be affected by this condition, accounting for 0.04% of all hospitalizations in 2016, with a mortality rate of 3.2% [2,3]. Risk factors for PRES include arterial hypertension, renal disease, immunosuppressive state, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, preeclampsia/ eclampsia, infection/sepsis, dialysis, transfusion, surgery, endocrine/metabolic disorders, sickle cell anemia, COVID-19.…”

“…Risk factors for PRES include arterial hypertension, renal disease, immunosuppressive state, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy, preeclampsia/ eclampsia, infection/sepsis, dialysis, transfusion, surgery, endocrine/metabolic disorders, sickle cell anemia, COVID-19. In most cases, the clinical manifestations of PRES include nonspecific neurological symptoms such as headache, altered mental status, seizures, visual disturbances, nausea, and vomiting [3].…”