Duloxetine-related posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report

Unusual cause for seizure after surgical closure of CSF rhinorrhoea

Seizure following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea surgery or surgery of the skull base almost always implies postoperative meningoencephalitis, unless proven otherwise. Here, we present the case of a middle-aged female in her 40's who underwent surgical CSF fistula closure and developed seizure on the eighth postoperative day. She was diagnosed to have posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment ensured that she had a complete recovery. Although not reported in the literature, PRES should always be a differential diagnosis in such situations, as delay in diagnosis may result in significant morbidity and rarely mortality.

Delayed Presentation of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in the Setting of Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a complex process that has been implicated in the setting of many chronic diseases (i.e., hypertension, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune diseases, infections, transplant treatments, etc.). The exact pathogenesis of PRES is still unclear; however, it has been suggested to involve endothelial injury leading to immune system activation and cytokine release. This case report examines an atypical presentation of PRES caused by serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Caused by Fioricet (Butalbital-Acetaminophen-Caffeine)

A common side effect of Fioricet (butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine) is high blood pressure caused by the caffeine content. We report a case of a 54-year-old female who developed the worst headache of her life after taking 2 tablets of butalbital-acetaminophen-caffeine every six hours for three days before presenting to the emergency department, where her blood pressure was 178/87 mmHg. A brain MRI showed edema in the subcortical white matter of the right occipital lobe, right parietal lobe, and left occipital lobe. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was diagnosed. The patient returned within the week with severe headaches, visual hallucinations, and a blood pressure of 150/80 mmHg. Repeat brain MRI showed slight improvement of edema. Her brain imaging studies completely normalized at 10 months after diagnosis. Although the patient received appropriate treatment, she was unable to make full recovery. Due to her inability to work and the constant pain, the patient continues to struggle with depression.

A Case of Antibiotic-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Purpose: To report a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a 75 year-old patient who was taking concomitant ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. Method: Case report Results: A patient had been prescribed ciprofloxacin and metronidazole during a recent hospitalization and continued this regimen outpatient. Two weeks after discharge and 3 weeks after initiation of her regimen, she was brought to the emergency department after developing acute weakness and lightheadedness. After admission, the patient declined more rapidly and began seizing with subsequent intubation. Initial computed tomographic (CT) imaging showed no acute neurological abnormalities, and a sepsis workup was initiated. After negative CT, a magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed that showed a T2 flair and hyperdensity consistent with PRES. The final diagnosis was considered to be PRES secondary to ciprofloxacin/metronidazole utilization. Conclusion: Antibiotic induced PRES is a condition that needs to be explored more thoroughly.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome possibly induced by pemetrexed maintenance therapy for lung cancer: a case report and literature review

Introduction Advances in systemic chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy have extended and improved the quality of life of patients with cancer. However, the central nervous system is very susceptible to complications of systemic cancer and its treatment. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare clinical and neuroradiologic entity which has garnered increasing recognition in the past two decades. Cancer patients are generally treated with cytotoxic agents, immunotherapy, molecular targeted therapies or glucosteroids which are more frequently associated with PRES. Case presentation A 59-year old female, known with a relapse of her lung adenocarcinoma, had been treated with 4 cycles of cisplatin (75 mg/m²) and pemetrexed (500 mg/m²). Six weeks after this combination chemotherapy and within 28 h after the administration of pemetrexed maintenance therapy, she developed a generalised epileptic insult. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed bilateral areas of increased signal intensity in the subcortical parietal and frontal white matter. She was treated with a broad spectrum antiseizure drug, levetiracetam 750 mg twice daily and strict control of blood pressure. Discussion Diagnosis of PRES should be considered in all patients with neurologic symptoms who are at risk to develop PRES. It is crucial to establish the diagnosis as soon as possible since there is no specific treatment of PRES other than correction of the underlying risk factors and preventing seizure recurrence. Administration of pemetrexed is a possible risk factor for the development of PRES.