Rare Case of Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome Secondary to Acute Chest Syndrome

Neuroimaging in Sickle Cell Disease: A Review

Sickle cell disease is the most common hereditary hemoglobinopathy, which results in abnormally shaped and rigid red blood cells. These sickle-shaped red blood cells cause vaso-occlusion and ischemic phenomena that can affect any organ in the body. As a common cause of disability, the neurological manifestations of sickle cell disease are particularly important. Neuroimaging has a crucial role in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of the complications of sickle cell disease. These complications can affect the brain parenchyma, vasculature, and skull and can be ascribed directly or indirectly to a vasculopathy of small and large vessels. Vaso-occlusion can cause ischemic stroke. Ischemic damage in the absence of an acute neurological deficit, and therefore only apparent on neuroimaging, is termed silent cerebral ischemia. Weakening of the arterial walls can cause aneurysms. In its most severe form, a vasculopathy of the terminal internal carotid arteries can progress to moyamoya syndrome, characterized by steno-occlusive disease and the formation of friable collateral arteries. Rupture of aneurysms or friable collateral arteries is a potential cause of intracranial hemorrhage. The skull and vertebrae may be affected by extra-medullary hematopoiesis, due to severe anemia, or iron deposition, due to chronic red blood cell transfusion. Impaired blood supply to bone is associated with osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis. Fat embolization syndrome is a rare complication of osteonecrosis, which may cause devastating neurological impairment. Awareness and early recognition of the diverse manifestations of sickle cell disease on neuroimaging is crucial to ensure optimal treatment in a complex patient cohort.

Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in Intensive Care Unit - Case series

Introduction:

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by a range of clinico neuro radiological manifestation along with hypertension due to varied etiology. Contrary to its name, a small number of patients have residual neurological deficits. Patients with severe manifestation of PRES may get admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to coma or status epilepticus. Small case series and large multicenter studies have been reported.

Materials and Methods:

We report a single center series of ten cases admitted to ICU over a 5 year period in a tertiary care centre. We retrospectively analyzed patients, admitted to adult ICU with different etiologies, and diagnosed to have PRES. Outcome at discharge and at 90 days after ICU admission was noted.

Result:

The most common etiologies were medications. ICU admissions were mainly for uncontrolled hypertension, seizures, and low level of consciousness. All except one patient were ventilated. Four patients had residual neurological damage.

Conclusion:

Irrespective of the etiology, early control of blood pressure, and removal of precipitating factors is of paramount importance to prevent morbidity and mortality. Awareness about PRES among the intensivist is necessary to ensure early recognition and treatment.