Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2007
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare vasculopathy of unknown etiology. Ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage are well-documented sequelae, but subarachnoid hemorrhage is an uncommon complication of RCVS.
METHODS AND RESULTS: We report six cases of RCVS associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two cases occurred in postpartum women, two in women with a history of migraines, one in a woman who recently stopped taking her anti-hypertensive medications, and one in a man after sexual intercourse. All six patients presented with the classic thunderclap headache. Two patients experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and two patients had small ischemic infarcts. Segmental vasoconstriction was demonstrated on cerebral angiography in all six cases. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and other etiologies were excluded. Reversibility of the segmental vasoconstriction was confirmed by follow-up angiography in four patients and by transcranial Doppler sonography in two patients. All six patients had an excellent neurological outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may be associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. RCVS should be included in the differential diagnosis of non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Volume
7
Issue
3
First Page
203
Last Page
210
ISSN
1541-6933
Published In/Presented At
Edlow, B. L., Kasner, S. E., Hurst, R. W., Weigele, J. B., & Levine, J. M. (2007). Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Neurocritical care, 7(3), 203–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-007-0058-0
Disciplines
Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology
PubMedID
17901935
Department(s)
Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Document Type
Article