Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) Associated With COVID-19 Infection—A Case Report and Review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a large number of systemic complications including a variety of neurological complications. Some of the neurological complications are not known. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a known acute neurotoxic syndrome causing a wide range of neurological symptoms. If remains untreated, it can potentially become a life-threatening condition. However, it is not a known neurological complication of COVID-19. We describe a presentation of PRES in a patient with positive COVID-19 and presented with altered mental status. A 78-year-old male with history of idiopathic epilepsy was initially admitted with respiratory illness with negative COVID-19 test. Later during his hospitalization, his respiratory condition got worse and his repeat COVID-19 test came back positive. He had continued encephalopathy and was found to have status epilepticus afterward. Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain showed extensive PRES-related changes. His blood pressure remained overall within control without significant fluctuations. No other apparent etiology was identified for PRES except for possible correlation with COVID-19. Clinicians should consider PRES early in their differential diagnoses in patients with severe COVID-19 with continued encephalopathy.