A Case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Following Hypopharyngeal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) features headache, seizures, abnormal mental state, altered visual perception, and hypertension. While rare, it has become increasingly identifiable with clinicoradiological processes in cancer associated with cytotoxic and immunosuppressive agents. Such processes include vasogenic edema mainly involving the white matter of the parietooccipital lobes. PRES is reversible when adequately managed. Failure to quickly recognize it may, however, result in profound, permanent central nervous system dysfunction or death. We reported a 48-year-old woman with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer who developed PRES after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy. Her condition gradually improved and she recovered completely without neurological deficit 46 days after PRES onset.