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Singhal AB. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A review of pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and treatment. Int J Stroke 2023; 18:1151-1160. [PMID: 37246916 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231181250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Reversible segmental narrowing of the intracranial arteries has been described since several decades in numerous clinical settings, using variable nosology. Twenty-one years ago, we tentatively proposed the unifying concept that these entities, based on similar clinical-imaging features, represented a single cerebrovascular syndrome. This "reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome" or RCVS has now come of age. A new International Classification of Diseases code, (ICD-10, I67.841) has been established, enabling larger-scale studies. The RCVS2 scoring system provides high accuracy in confirming RCVS diagnosis and excluding mimics such as primary angiitis of the central nervous system. Several groups have characterized its clinical-imaging features. RCVS predominantly affects women. Recurrent worst-ever (thunderclap) headaches are typical at onset. While initial brain imaging is often normal, approximately one-third to half develop complications such as convexity subarachnoid hemorrhages, lobar hemorrhages, ischemic strokes located in arterial "watershed" territories and reversible edema, alone or in combination. Vasoconstriction evolves over hours to days, first affecting distal and then the more proximal arteries. An overlap between RCVS and primary thunderclap headache, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, transient global amnesia, and other conditions has been recognized. The pathophysiology remains largely unknown. Management is mostly symptomatic: headache relief with analgesics and oral calcium-channel blockers, removal of vasoconstrictive factors, and avoidance of glucocorticoids that can significantly worsen outcome. Intra-arterial vasodilator infusions provide variable success. Overall, 90-95% of admitted patients achieve complete or major resolution of symptoms and clinical deficits within days to weeks. Recurrence is exceptional, although 5% can later develop isolated thunderclap headaches with or without mild cerebral vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesh B Singhal
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Lange KS, Choi SY, Ling YH, Chen SP, Mawet J, Duflos C, Lee MJ, Ducros A, Wang SJ, Pezzini A. Reversible cerebral Vasoconstriction syndrome intERnational CollaborativE (REVERCE) network: Study protocol and rationale of a multicentre research collaboration. Eur Stroke J 2023; 8:1107-1113. [PMID: 37329287 PMCID: PMC10683719 DOI: 10.1177/23969873231182207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare, but increasingly recognised cerebrovascular condition with an estimated annual age-standardised incidence of approximately three cases per million. Knowledge about risk factors and triggering conditions and information about prognosis and optimal treatment in these patients are limited. METHODS The REversible cerebral Vasoconstriction syndrome intERnational CollaborativE (REVERCE) project aims to elucidate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RCVS by collecting individual patient data from four countries (France, Italy, Taiwan and South Korea) in the setting of a multicentric study. All patients with a diagnosis of definite RCVS will be included. Data on the distribution of risk factors and triggering conditions, imaging data, neurological complications, functional outcome, risk of recurrent vascular events and death and finally the use of specific treatments will be collected. Subgroup analyses will be made based on age, gender, aetiology, ethnicity and geographical region of residence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for the REVERCE study will be obtained from national or local institutional review boards in the participating centres. When needed, a standardised data transfer agreement will be provided for participating centres. We plan dissemination of our results in peer-reviewed international scientific journals and through conference presentations. We expect that the results of this unique study will lead to better understanding of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of RCVS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Sophie Lange
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - So Youn Choi
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu-Hsiang Ling
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Pin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Translational Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jérôme Mawet
- Emergency Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claire Duflos
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Mi Ji Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Anne Ducros
- Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, CNRS UMR5221, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Shuu-Jiun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Alessandro Pezzini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Neurology Clinic, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Tentolouris-Piperas V, Lymperopoulos L, Tountopoulou A, Vassilopoulou S, Mitsikostas DD. Headache Attributed to Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2730. [PMID: 37685270 PMCID: PMC10487016 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a condition with variable outcomes presenting a new onset thunderclap headache accompanied by focal neurological symptoms or seizures. It can be idiopathic or arise secondarily to a variety of trigger factors. The condition is increasingly recognized in clinical practice, but many facets remain poorly understood. This article aims to clarify the headache characteristics in RCVS, the temporal association of angiographic findings, the potential association of the condition with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the clinical presentation of RCVS in children and is based on a systematic PRISMA search for published analytical or large descriptive observational studies. Data from 60 studies that fulfilled specific criteria were reviewed. Most people with RCVS exhibit a typical thunderclap, explosive, or pulsatile/throbbing headache, or a similar acute and severe headache that takes longer than 1 min to peak. Atypical presentations or absence of headaches are also reported and may be an underrecognized phenotype. In many cases, headaches may persist after resolution of RCVS. Focal deficits or seizures are attributed to associated complications including transient ischemic attacks, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, ischemic stroke, cerebral edema, and intracranial hemorrhage. The peak of vasoconstriction occurs usually within two weeks after clinical onset, possibly following a pattern of centripetal propagation, and tends to resolve completely within 3 months, well after symptoms have subsided. There are a few reports of RCVS occurring in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but potential underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and etiological associations have not been confirmed. RCVS occurs in children most often in the context of an underlying disease. Overall, the available data in the literature are scattered, and large-scale prospective studies and international collaborations are needed to further characterize the clinical presentation of RCVS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dimos D. Mitsikostas
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (V.T.-P.); (L.L.); (A.T.); (S.V.)
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Lange KS, Tuloup G, Duflos C, Gobron C, Burcin C, Corti L, Roos C, Ducros A, Mawet J. Complications of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in relation to age. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11708-z. [PMID: 37052670 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11708-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) has a heterogenous clinical and radiological presentation. We investigated whether RCVS complications vary according to age. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a pooled French cohort of 345 patients with RCVS, we assessed (1) rates of clinical and radiological complications, and (2) the functional outcome at 3 months according to age as a continuous variable, and in young patients aged ≤ 49 years versus those aged ≥ 50 years. The Commission Nationale Informatique et Liberté and the local ethics committee approved this study (registration number: 202100733). RESULTS The risk for any focal deficit and for any brain lesion were independently associated with increasing age (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8; p = 0.014, and OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1; p < 0.001, respectively). Subtypes of brain lesions independently associated with increasing age were subarachnoid haemorrhage (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3; p < 0.001) and intracerebral haemorrhage (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.2; p = 0.023). Frequency of cervical artery dissections peaked at age 30-39, and young age was independently associated with cervical artery dissections (OR 13.6, 95% CI 2.4-76.6; p = 0.003). Age had no impact on the functional outcome, with a modified Rankin scale score of 0-1 in > 96% of patients. CONCLUSION Age seems to influence rates and types of complications of RCVS, with young age being associated with cervical artery dissections, and increasing age with haemorrhagic complications. If confirmed in larger prospective studies, recognition of age-specific patterns might help to guide clinical management and to identify complications in cases of RCVS and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Sophie Lange
- Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France.
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gabrielle Tuloup
- Emergency Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Neurology, CHU Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Claire Duflos
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Gobron
- Department of Clinical Physiology, APHP, Lariboisière-St Louis Hospitals, DMU DREAM, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Cécilia Burcin
- Emergency Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lucas Corti
- Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Roos
- Emergency Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anne Ducros
- Department of Neurology, CHU Montpellier, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier, France
- Charles Coulomb Laboratory, CNRS UMR5221, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Mawet
- Emergency Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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Bonura A, Iaccarino G, Rossi SS, Capone F, Motolese F, Calandrelli R, Di Lazzaro V, Pilato F. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in patients with COVID-19 infection: is there a link? A systematic review and case report analysis. J Neurol 2023; 270:2826-2852. [PMID: 37014421 PMCID: PMC10071475 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
During the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, several cases of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) in COVID-19 patients have been reported, but the link between these syndromes and COVID-19 is unclear. We performed a systematic review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to evaluate whether SARS-CoV2 infection or the drugs used to treat it could be deemed potential risk factors for PRES or RCVS. We performed a literature search. We found 70 articles (60 on PRES and 10 on RCVS) concerning n = 105 patients (n = 85 with PRES, n = 20 with RCVS). We analyzed the clinical characteristics of the two populations separately, then performed an inferential analysis to search for other independent risk factors. We found fewer than usual PRES-related (43.9%) and RCVS-related (45%) risk factors in patients with COVID-19. Such a low incidence of risk factors for PRES and RCVS might suggest the involvement of COVID-19 as an additional risk factor for both diseases due to its capability to cause endothelial dysfunction. We discuss the putative mechanisms of endothelial damage by SARS-CoV2 and antiviral drugs which may underlie the development of PRES and RCVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Bonura
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Iaccarino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Soeren Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Fioravante Capone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Motolese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Calandrelli
- Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Pilato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndromes. Stroke 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-69424-7.00037-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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7
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Boitet R, de Gaalon S, Ducros A. Sindrome da vasocostrizione cerebrale reversibile. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(21)45780-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Singhal AB. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome as Syndromes of Cerebrovascular Dysregulation. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2021; 27:1301-1320. [PMID: 34618761 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes the causes, clinical and imaging features, management, and prognosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), in which the underlying pathophysiology is related to reversible dysregulation of the cerebral vasculature. RECENT FINDINGS PRES and RCVS are descriptive terms, each bringing together conditions with similar clinical-imaging manifestations. Headache, visual symptoms, seizures, and confusion occur in both syndromes. RCVS is usually heralded by recurrent thunderclap headaches, whereas encephalopathy and seizures are typical in PRES. In PRES, brain imaging shows reversible vasogenic edema that is typically symmetric and located in subcortical regions (mostly posterior predominant). In RCVS, brain imaging is often normal; cerebral angiography shows segmental vasoconstriction-vasodilatation affecting the circle of Willis arteries and their branches. Aside from shared clinical features, significant imaging overlap exists. Both PRES and RCVS can be complicated by ischemic and hemorrhagic brain lesions; angiographic abnormalities frequently occur in PRES and vasogenic edematous lesions in RCVS. Common triggers (eg, eclampsia, vasoconstrictive and chemotherapeutic agents) have been identified. Abnormal cerebrovascular tone and endothelial dysfunction may explain both syndromes. Management of these syndromes includes the removal of identified triggers, symptomatic treatment of headache or seizures, and moderate blood pressure control. Both syndromes are self-limited, with clinical recovery occurring within days to weeks. Long-term deficits and mortality are uncommon. SUMMARY PRES and RCVS have been well characterized and acknowledged to have significant overlap. Advances in our understanding of pathophysiology and risk factors for poor outcome are expected to optimize the management of these not uncommon syndromes.
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Rocha EA, Singhal AB. Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine: Update on Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-020-00819-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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10
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Harriott A. Idiopathic Non-atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Disease. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2019; 21:64. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-019-0780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Kumar S, Chandra KN, Ayub A. [Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome a rare cause of post-partum headache: an anesthetic overview]. Rev Bras Anestesiol 2019; 69:311-314. [PMID: 31080009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjan.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a cerebrovascular disorder leading to multifocal arterial constriction and dilation. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is possibly caused by transient deregulation of cerebral vascular tone. We report a rare case of a patient with chief complain of postpartum headache, was later diagnosed as a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A young full term primigravida with good uterine contraction admitted to labour room. Later she complained of leaking per vagina and on examination meconium stained liquor was noted. Caesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was done and intra-operative period was uneventful. Both mother and baby were normal and shifted to postoperative ward and nursery respectively. In postoperative ward, mother complained of severe headache after one hour and later developed seizure. Midazolam was given intravenously and was intubated and transferred to critical care unit for further investigation and management. Non contrast computerized tomography scan of brain showed right occipital intracerebral as well as subarachnoid bleed. CT angiography showed right vertebral artery narrowing without any other vascular malformation. Patient was managed in critical care unit for 2 days and then extubated and shifted to high dependency ward after a day observation and discharged 3 days later after a full uneventful recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Kumar
- Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Índia
| | | | - Arshad Ayub
- Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Índia
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Kumar S, Chandra KN, Ayub A. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome a rare cause of post-partum headache: an anesthetic overview. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIOLOGY (ENGLISH EDITION) 2019. [PMID: 31080009 PMCID: PMC9391905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjane.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a cerebrovascular disorder leading to multifocal arterial constriction and dilation. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is possibly caused by transient deregulation of cerebral vascular tone. We report a rare case of a patient with chief complain of postpartum headache, was later diagnosed as a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A young full term primigravida with good uterine contraction admitted to labour room. Later she complained of leaking per vagina and on examination meconium stained liquor was noted. Caesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia was done and intra-operative period was uneventful. Both mother and baby were normal and shifted to postoperative ward and nursery respectively. In postoperative ward, mother complained of severe headache after 1 h and later developed seizure. Midazolam was given intravenously and was intubated and transferred to critical care unit for further investigation and management. Non contrast computerised tomography scan of brain showed right occipital intracerebral as well as subarachnoid bleed. CT angiography showed right vertebral artery narrowing without any other vascular malformation. Patient was managed in critical care unit for 2 days and then extubated and shifted to high dependency ward after a day observation and discharged 3 days later after a full uneventful recovery.
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13
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De Angelis N, Romano D, Battisti C, Leonini S, Federico A. A case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and cavernous hemangioma: just a coincidence? Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1989-1990. [PMID: 30062645 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3503-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta De Angelis
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniele Romano
- Department of Neurological and Sensorineural Sciences, Unit of Neuroimaging and Neurointervention (NINT), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Battisti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Sara Leonini
- Department of Neurological and Sensorineural Sciences, Unit of Neuroimaging and Neurointervention (NINT), Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Federico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Takemaru M, Takeshima S, Hara N, Himeno T, Shiga Y, Takeshita J, Takamatsu K, Nomura E, Shimoe Y, Kuriyama M. [Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: a clinical study of 11 cases]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2018; 58:377-384. [PMID: 29863100 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study reports eleven cases of reversible cerebral vasospasm syndrome (RCVS). Of the 11 patients, two were males and nine were females, with the average age of 47.9 ± 14.1 years. Many of these patients were young. The rates of severe, intractable and pulsative headache, generalized convulsions, and motor hemiparesis were 64%, 27%, and 36%, respectively. As complications of intracerebral lesions in the early stage of disease onset, convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage, lobar intracerebral hemorrhage, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome were observed in 63%, 9%, and 45% of cases, respectively. Cerebral infarction occurred in 45% of cases at around 1-3 weeks after onset. Improvement of cerebral vasoconstriction was recognized in several cases from about the first month of onset. The post-partum period, migraine, transfusion, rapid amelioration for anemia, renal failure, bathing, and cerebrovascular dissection were suspected as disease triggers. Abnormally high blood pressure at onset was confirmed in 55% of cases. It is important to analyze the pathophysiology of RCVS associated with these triggers from the viewpoint of the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Takemaru
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
| | - Shinichi Takeshima
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
- Present address: Showa University School of Medicine
| | - Naoyuki Hara
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
- Present address: Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Takahiro Himeno
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
| | - Yuji Shiga
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
- Present address: Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences
| | - Jun Takeshita
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
| | | | - Eiichi Nomura
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
| | - Yutaka Shimoe
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
| | - Masaru Kuriyama
- Brain Attack Center, Ota Memorial Hospital, Department of Neurology
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Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: an important and common cause of thunderclap and recurrent headaches. Clin Radiol 2017; 73:417-427. [PMID: 29274685 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is an intracranial vascular manifestation of a wide variety of diseases. It is the second most common cause of thunderclap headache, the most common cause of recurrent severe secondary headaches, and, in patients <60 years of age, has been reported as the commonest cause of isolated convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage. Radiologically, its key feature is vasoconstriction of the intracranial vessels, a dynamic process that is typically maximal at 2 weeks, varies in its distribution over the course of the disease, and typically resolves after 3 months. It can have haemorrhagic and ischaemic complications and sometimes occurs in concert with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. It also has important associations with dissection and migraine. Rarer atypical cases can present with mild headache, no headache at all, or even a comatose state. This paper provides a detailed review of this syndrome, its pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, imaging findings, and work-up. It also describes the role that high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques can have in diagnosing the disease and emphasises the central role that all radiologists have in detecting this important and underdiagnosed condition.
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Harriott AM, Zimmerman E, Singhal AB, Jaff MR, Lindsay ME, Rordorf GA. Cerebrovascular fibromuscular dysplasia: The MGH cohort and literature review. Neurol Clin Pract 2017; 7:225-236. [PMID: 28680766 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare noninflammatory, nonatherosclerotic arteriopathy of medium-sized arteries affecting up to 7% of the population. The disease can affect any artery but commonly affects renal, extracranial carotid, and vertebral arteries. The epidemiology and natural course of cerebrovascular FMD is unknown and requires further investigation. METHODS We present demographic and outcomes data on a case series of 81 patients with cerebrovascular FMD from Massachusetts General Hospital presenting between 2011 and 2015 followed by a review of the peer-reviewed literature. RESULTS Patients were a median age of 53 years (±12 SD) and the majority were women. Approximately 50% had a history of tobacco use and more than two-thirds had hypertension. Most patients were on monoplatelet therapy with aspirin; during follow-up, 7 of 67 had progressive disease or additional symptoms. One of 67 patients had a cerebrovascular event: TIA. There were 5 of 67 who had noncerebrovascular events or disease progression and 1 death of unclear cause. CONCLUSIONS Cerebrovascular FMD may present with myriad symptoms. Our data support that patients with FMD with symptomatic disease have a low rate of recurrent symptoms or disease progression and can be managed conservatively with stroke risk modification, antiplatelet agents, surveillance imaging, and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Harriott
- Department of Neurology (AMH, EZ, ABS, GAR), The Fireman Vascular Center (MRJ), and Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Research Center (MEL), Massachusetts General Hospital; John R. Graham Headache Center (AMH), Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston; and Department of Neurology (EZ), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Eli Zimmerman
- Department of Neurology (AMH, EZ, ABS, GAR), The Fireman Vascular Center (MRJ), and Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Research Center (MEL), Massachusetts General Hospital; John R. Graham Headache Center (AMH), Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston; and Department of Neurology (EZ), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Aneesh B Singhal
- Department of Neurology (AMH, EZ, ABS, GAR), The Fireman Vascular Center (MRJ), and Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Research Center (MEL), Massachusetts General Hospital; John R. Graham Headache Center (AMH), Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston; and Department of Neurology (EZ), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Michael R Jaff
- Department of Neurology (AMH, EZ, ABS, GAR), The Fireman Vascular Center (MRJ), and Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Research Center (MEL), Massachusetts General Hospital; John R. Graham Headache Center (AMH), Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston; and Department of Neurology (EZ), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Mark E Lindsay
- Department of Neurology (AMH, EZ, ABS, GAR), The Fireman Vascular Center (MRJ), and Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Research Center (MEL), Massachusetts General Hospital; John R. Graham Headache Center (AMH), Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston; and Department of Neurology (EZ), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Guy A Rordorf
- Department of Neurology (AMH, EZ, ABS, GAR), The Fireman Vascular Center (MRJ), and Thoracic Aortic Center and Cardiovascular Research Center (MEL), Massachusetts General Hospital; John R. Graham Headache Center (AMH), Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston; and Department of Neurology (EZ), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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