Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in the emergency service

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an entity characterized by headache, altered mental status, seizures, visual disturbances, and focal neurological signs. The most common etiologies of PRES are hypertension and renal failure, and the most frequent pathophysiology is hyperperfusion. PRES is generally symmetrical, often in the occipital and parietal lobes, and is typically characterized by vasogenic edema in the subcortical white matter. This study involves a 38‑year‑old female patient who had hypertension, used immunosuppressive drugs and was also found to have nephropathy. After 3 months of treatment for PRES, the patient’s symptoms had declined.

Keywords: Emergency service, hyperperfusion, posterior reversible encephalopathy, vasogenic edema