Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnancy and the puerperium. A case report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47464/MetroCiencia/vol34/1/2026/82-91

Keywords:

PRES syndrome, seizures, preeclampsia, eclampsia

Abstract

PRES syndrome is a clinical and radiological condition that primarily develops in patients with high blood pressure, with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and eclampsia being among the most common associated factors. It usually manifests with neurological symptoms such as severe and persistent headaches, visual disturbances, seizures, and other less common symptoms. Diagnosing this condition can be complex; therefore, a high level of diagnostic suspicion and timely imaging studies are often key to management. Treatment for this condition is primarily based on timely and careful blood pressure control, as well as etiologically targeted treatment, since the underlying triggering factor must be eliminated. The after-effects can be devastating, generating significant impact on maternal morbidity and mortality.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Vanessa Michelle García Gudiño, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

    Posgradista de Ginecología y Obstetricia de la Universidad Internacional del Ecuador; Quito, Ecuador

  • Carlos Fabricio Intriago Cedeño, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

    Posgradista de Ginecología y Obstetricia de la Universidad Internacional del Ecuador; Quito, Ecuador

  • Fernando Andrade Gagliardo, Hospital Metropolitano

    Especialista en Ginecología y Obstetricia médico tratante Hospital Metropolitano; Quito, Ecuador

  • Pablo Sebastián Basantes Suárez, Hospital Metropolitano

    Especialista en Ginecología y Obstetricia médico tratante Hospital Metropolitano; Quito, Ecuador

  • Melissa Abigail Hidalgo Valencia, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

    Posgradista de Ginecología y Obstetricia de la Universidad Internacional del Ecuador; Quito, Ecuador

  • Doménica Isabel Campoverde Verdugo, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador

    Posgradista de Ginecología y Obstetricia de la Universidad Internacional del Ecuador; Quito, Ecuador

References

Mayama M, Uno K, Tano S, Yoshihara M, Ukai M, Kishigami Y, et al. Incidence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in eclamptic and patients with preeclampsia with neurologic symptoms. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Aug 1;215(2):239.e1-239.e5.

Bartynski WS. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, Part 2: Controversies surrounding pathophysiology of vasogenic edema. Vol. 29, American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2008. p. 1043–9.

Tawati DA, Chan WS. A systematic review of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Obstet Med. 2023 Dec 1;16(4):236–41.

Acar H, Acar K. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a pregnant patient without eclampsia or preeclampsia. American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2018 Sep 1;36(9):1721.e3-1721.e4.

Chao AS, Chen YL, Chang YL, Chao A, Su SY, Wang TH. Severe pre-eclamptic women with headache: Is posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome an associated concurrent finding? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2020 Jun 1;20(1).

Bartynski WS. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, Part 1: Fundamental imaging and clinical features. Vol. 29, American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2008. p. 1036–42.

Hosapatna Basavarajappa D, Saha PK, Bagga R, Khandelwal N, Modi M. Neuroradiological perspectives of severe preeclampsia and eclampsia spectrum – Correlation from posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Pregnancy Hypertens. 2020 Apr 1;20:119–23.

Mergen S, Long B, Matlock A. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2021 Dec 1;61(6):666–73.

Li K, Yang Y, Guo D, Sun D, Li C. Clinical and MRI Features of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome With Atypical Regions: A Descriptive Study With a Large Sample Size. Front Neurol. 2020 Mar 24;11.

Saxena U, Nisa S, Agarwal Y, Lachyan A, Chandan SK, Prasad S. Fetomaternal outcome in preeclampsia and eclampsia with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Qatar Med J. 2024;2024(4).

Published

2026-03-30

Issue

Section

Casos Clínicos

How to Cite

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnancy and the puerperium. A case report. (2026). Metro Ciencia, 34(1), 82-91. https://doi.org/10.47464/MetroCiencia/vol34/1/2026/82-91

Similar Articles

1-10 of 194

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)