Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a potentially devastating complication of bevacizumab treatment. We examined the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of patients who developed PRES following bevacizumab treatment at our institution and those reported in the literature. Retrospective audit and systematic review. Patients were identified from the Mayo Clinic database and the published literature using 'PubMed' and 'OVID' databases, from January 2006 to June 2010, who developed PRES features within 3 weeks of bevacizumab treatment, who had brain imaging findings of focal vasogenic edema and radiologic proof of reversibility. Two patients with definite PRES were identified from our institution and a further 10 cases were identified from the published literature (total, n=12). The mean age of these patients was 52 years (range 4-68 years), four of whom were men and eight women. Headaches (n=7), seizures (n=6), visual disturbances (n=5) and nausea and vomiting (n=3) were the common presenting symptoms. In a majority of patients (n=10), an increase in blood pressure from their baseline values was observed during their acute presentation. PRES resolved following withdrawal of bevacizumab and blood pressure control in all patients. PRES is a catastrophic neurological complication of bevacizumab treatment, which responds favorably to prompt bevacizumab withdrawal and blood pressure control.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.