Imaging feature in PRES syndrome: Report of 6 cases

Abstract

Objectives Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare syndrome. The pathophysiology is poorly understood. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are characteristic of the diagnosis and diffusion weighted image has been also suggested having a prognostic value. We report this unusual neurologic complication of peripartumin except any pre-existent pathology of the pregnancy. Materiel and methods CT, MR findings and relevant clinical data of the patients were retrospectively reviewed on 5 cases between 2011 and 2012 in our radiologic department. Results Eclampsia was responsible in all cases. CT finding were bilaterally symmetric low density in the posterior parietal and occipital lobes consistent with vasogenic edema on FLAIR and diffusion MR images ( Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 ). Conclusion Since PRES is often unsuspected by clinicians, radiologists may be the first to suggest the diagnosis. As this diagnosis has important therapeutic and prognostic implications, radiologists should be aware of the spectrum of imaging findings in PRES. It consists on an increasingly recognized neurologic disorder with characteristic CT and MR findings.