Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Woman with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) and its relation with COPD

Introduction

and importance: PRES is a neurological disorder which is usually seen in adult females with symptoms like headache, altered mental status, seizures, impairment of vision. It is a radiographic diagnosis and can present with complications like status epilepticus, hemorrhagic and ischemic brain strokes.It can be associated with many clinical entities, COPD being one. Treatment is symptomatic.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 68 years female, presenting with clinical pictures of PRES in an episode of Acute Exacerbation of COPD, who has been diagnosed with PRES based on her CT head and MRI head findings. Treated by treating the infection and other symptomatic measures.

Clinical discussion

Our case had similar association with COPD as mentioned in few other articles.

Conclusion

Although rare, PRES is sometimes associated with exacerbation of COPD, and thus should not be ignored.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in association with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case report

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a reversible clinical and neurological entity. There are varieties of comorbid conditions which are associated with PRES. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a rare predisposing factor for the development of PRES.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55 year old female who was being treated for acute exacerbation of COPD developed altered sensorium and multiple episodes of seizure. Characteristic imaging findings and associated clinical symptoms led us to a diagnosis of PRES in our patient.

CONCLUSION

Association of PRES and COPD is a rare entity. The diagnosis of PRES should be brought to mind if there is encephalopathy or seizure in COPD exacerbation.