Rare presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and neurogenic stunned myocardium in a patient after emergency cesarean section

Abstract

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is clinically characterized by seizures, lethargy, nausea and visual impairment. These findings are thought to be due to vasogenic edema, predominantly in the posterior cerebral hemispheres and are reversible with appropriate management. Neurogenic-stunned myocardium is a syndrome of reversible left ventricular dysfunction, associated with excessive sympathetic discharge states like pheochromocytoma, high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), status epilepticus and significant emotional stress. Here, we report a case of PRES and Neurogenic-stunned myocardium occurring simultaneously in a 25 year old primigravida at 34 weeks of gestation with twin pregnancy who presented to the emergency department with eclampsia and fetal distress. A careful review of literature did not return any report where these two conditions co-existed in an obstetric patient.

Citation: Khan AA, Samad K, Munshi K. Rare presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and neurogenic stunned myocardium in a patient after emergency cesarean section. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2014;18(4):458-60