PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) and Eclampsia:-Review

The Posterior Reversible encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a cliniconeuroradiologic entity. Eclampsia is one of the important causes of PRES. Most patients have severe hypertension, some have only mildly elevated or even normal blood pressure. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, seizures, stupor, and visual disturbances. On CT and MR studies, edema is relatively symmetrical pattern, typically in the sub cortical white matter and occasionally in the cortex of the occipital and parietal lobes. PRES is reversible when treatment is instituted early, delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in chronic neurological sequelae. Early recognition and controlled of blood pressure and seizure is the main stay of treatment. Anesthesiologist, intensivists and other physicians involved in the evaluation of patients with markedly elevated blood pressure, eclampsia, renal failure etc should presumed PRES and must be aware of the clinical spectrum of the associated conditions, its diagnostic modalities, and treatment.