Recurrent posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in mitochondrial disorder

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): diagnosis and management

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) may present with diverse clinical symptoms including visual disturbance, headache, seizures and impaired consciousness. MRI shows oedema, usually involving the posterior subcortical regions. Triggering factors include hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, renal failure, cytotoxic agents and autoimmune conditions. The mechanism underlying PRES is not certain, but endothelial dysfunction is implicated. Treatment is supportive and involves correcting the underlying cause and managing associated complications, such as seizures. Although most patients recover, PRES is not always reversible and may be associated with considerable morbidity and even mortality.

Etiologies, Cerebral Vasomotion, and Endothelial Dysfunction in the Pathophysiology of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Pediatric Patients

The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome was characterized by Hinchey and colleagues in the 1990s. The condition frequently afflicts patients suffering from hematologic and solid organ malignancy and individuals undergoing transplantation. Cases are more frequently described in the adult population compared with children. In the pediatric population, malignancy, transplantation, renal disease, and hypertension represent the most common etiologies. Theories on pathogenesis have centered upon cerebrovascular dysautoregulation with increases in blood–brain barrier permeability. This generates vasogenic edema of the cerebral parenchyma and consequent neurologic deficits. The parietal and occipital lobes are affected with greatest prevalence, though frontal and temporal lobe involvement is frequent, and that of the contents of the infratentorial posterior cranial fossa are occasionally described. The clinical presentation involves a characteristic constellation of neurologic signs and symptoms, most typically inclusive of headache, visual-field disturbances, abnormalities of visual acuity, and seizures. Supportive care, withdrawal of the offending agent, antihypertensive therapy, and prophylactic anticonvulsants affect convalescence in majority of cases. The principal challenge lies in identifying the responsible agent precipitating the condition in patients with malignancy and those having undergone transplantation and thus deciding which medication among a multidrug treatment regimen to withhold, the duration of drug cessation required to effect clinical resolution, and the safety of resuming treatment with the compound. We accordingly reviewed and evaluated the literature discussing the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children.

Pulsatile tinnitus as the presenting symptom in a patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We present a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) presenting with pulsatile tinnitus. We highlight the significance of a detailed neurological and cardiovascular assessment including the measurement of blood pressure in patients presenting with pulsatile tinnitus.

METHOD

Case presentation and literature review.

RESULTS

One patient with undiagnosed PRES, who presented to our ear, nose and throat surgery department with pulsatile tinnitus is discussed. Symptoms, signs, investigations and treatments are presented. A literature review is also included.

CONCLUSION

Pulsatile tinnitus can be the presenting symptom of neurovascular disorders, some of which might have serious sequelae if not treated promptly. Detailed neurological and cardiovascular history is recommended in addition to radiological investigations in patients presenting with pulsatile tinnitus.

Bilateral Visual Loss as Presenting Symptom of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with HIV/Tuberculosis Coinfection: A Case Report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic state accompanied by a unique brain imaging pattern. This cliniconeuroradiological entity usually presents with visual disturbances (cortical blindness, homonymous hemianopia, visual neglect, and blurred vision) along with neurotoxic manifestations. Only a few cases of PRES have previously been reported in patients with advanced HIV disease. The authors describe a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a patient with advanced HIV/TBC infection who developed a neurotoxic state following TB and ART therapy initiation. They present a comprehensive review of the literature and discuss the pathogenetic hypotheses.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. Radiological features typically include edema of the posterior cerebral regions, especially of the parietooccipital lobes. Atypical imaging features, such as involvement of anterior cerebral regions, deep white matter, and the brain stem are also frequently seen. Vasoconstriction is common in vascular imaging. Different conditions have been associated with PRES, but toxemia of pregnancy, solid organ or bone marrow transplantation, immunosuppressive treatment, cancer chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases, and hypertension are most commonly described. The pathophysiology of PRES is unclear and different hypotheses are being discussed. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is best managed by monitoring and treatment in the setting of a neurointensive care unit. The prognosis is usually benign with complete reversal of clinical symptoms within several days, when adequate treatment is immediately initiated. Treatment of severe hypertension, seizures, and withdrawal of causative agents represent the hallmarks of specific therapy in PRES. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. Therefore, awareness of PRES is of crucial importance for the intensivist.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Anti-Angiogenic Agents: A Case Report

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is an increasingly recognised clinico-radiological entity, associated with several medical conditions (such as systemic arterial hypertension) and characterised by seizures, altered mental status, headaches, and visual symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging is a key component in this diagnosis, with hyperintense foci in T₂-weighted images, corresponding to vasogenic oedema. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but probably involves loss of auto-regulation of cerebral vasculature or endothelial dysfunction or both. A 56-year-old male, suffering from a gastro-intestinal stromal tumour with hepatic metastasis resistant to imatinib, on therapy with sunitinib, came to the Emergency Department because of headaches, hallucinations, and loss of vision. There was no previous history of high blood pressure. A hypertensive crisis was diagnosed; ophthalmological examination on admission showed no light perception bilaterally. Brain imaging displayed bilateral parieto-occipital and frontal vasogenic oedema, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. After treatment of hypertension and suspension of sunitinib, the patient recovered from his symptoms. Control imaging showed no oedema. Angiogenesis inhibitors, such as sunitinib and bevacizumab, can cause hypertension, one of the many medical conditions associated with the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. This syndrome should be considered in cases of acute visual loss, particularly in view of its reversible nature when diagnosed and treated promptly.