Hypertensive posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome causing posterior fossa edema and hydrocephalus.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-2014
Abstract
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a well characterized entity resulting from the inability of cerebral autoregulation to adequately protect the brain from uncontrolled hypertension. It primarily affects the occipital lobes, but can also involve the structures in the posterior fossa including the brainstem and cerebellum. Treatment usually consists of strict blood pressure control, but more aggressive management may be indicated with acutely worsening neurological status. We present a patient with hypertensive encephalopathy that resulted in hydrocephalus and brainstem compression necessitating surgical decompression requiring ventriculostomy and suboccipital craniectomy. In rare cases, PRES can present with severe brainstem compression requiring emergent posterior fossa decompression. When brainstem signs are present on exam, emergent posterior fossa decompression may be safer than ventriculostomy alone.
Volume
21
Issue
2
First Page
207
Last Page
211
ISSN
1532-2653
Published In/Presented At
Grossbach, A. J., Abel, T. J., Hodis, B., Wassef, S. N., & Greenlee, J. D. (2014). Hypertensive posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome causing posterior fossa edema and hydrocephalus. Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, 21(2), 207–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2013.07.005
Disciplines
Diagnosis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment | Radiology
PubMedID
24126039
Department(s)
Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Document Type
Article