Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by intracranial hypotension in a postpartum patient

Abstract

Objective: A number of hormonal, physiologic, immunologic, and hemodynamic changes can cause a series of central nervous system-related problems in pregnant and postpartum women. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is commonly seen in these conditions. However, PRES during pregnancy and the postpartum period are not always due to pregnancy.

Methods: We describe a patient who presented with headache followed by an epileptic seizure after cesarean section and whose computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral low-density lesions in the frontal lobe. To explore the pathogenesis, we further examined the patient with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture.

Results: Brain MRI revealed vasogenic edema in the frontal lobe and temporal-occipital regions of both hemispheres. MRI of the brain with contrast showed diffuse enhancement of the supratentorial dura mater and decreased of bilateral lateral ventricles. There was no abnormality in brain magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance venography. Bloody cerebrospinal fluid flowed very slowly during lumbar puncture.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that, although rare, intracranial hypotension in postpartum patients may be a cause of PRES.

Keywords:

• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
• intracranial hypotension
• pregnancy
• postpartum
• magnetic resonance imaging

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Ethical standards

This study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board and performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from the patient.