The pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome during pregnancy

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological condition with a wide range of symptoms, including visual disturbances, headache, vomiting, seizures, and altered consciousness. This review describes the pathophysiology of PRES, as well as the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic intervention during pregnancy. The gold standard for diagnosis of PRES is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), helping to differentiate it from other similar conditions. The aim of this paper is to review the principal aspects of PRES, general care, blood pressure control, and seizures prevention while avoiding potential injuries to the mother and fetus in the event of pregnancy. We concluded that PRES can be effectively treated and reversed if prompt diagnostic action is made, and adequate care is initiated.

Keywords:

• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
• PRES
• pregnancy
• treatment
• hypertension
• MRI
• neuroimaging

Author contributions

M.M.: literature search and writing the manuscript. L.A.H.: literature search and writing the manuscript. B.K.N.: literature search, writing, and editing the manuscript. A.R.B.: writing and editing the manuscript. L.D.: writing the manuscript. S.M.: writing and editing the manuscript. A.A.J.: writing and editing the manuscript. D.A.G.: writing and editing the manuscript. A.S.: conceptualization, writing, and editing the manuscript, and principal investigator.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial interest related to this work to disclose.