Abstract

HASBUN H, Jorge; RODRIGUEZ G, Marcelo  and  MIRANDA G, Gonzalo. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (pres) in two clinical cases of eclampsia. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [online]. 2012, vol.50, n.1, pp. 35-41. ISSN 0717-9227.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-92272012000100004.

The Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome is a neurological condition described on 1996, developed in patients with complex systemic conditions, especially pregnant women with preeclampsia that at the same time presented neurological signs as seizures, headache, visual loss, and vomiting in addition to posterior brain edema, visible on neuroimaging and located in parietal and occipital lobes, that usually reverses completely. We present two clinical cases with PRES and eclampsia, antenatal and post-partum, both with seizure and confirmed brain edema with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Both had a favorable evolution after the anticonvulsivant and anti-hypertensive therapy were done. We discuss the controversy over pathophysiolgical mechanisms, the new methods for diagnosis and management and the importance of multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords : Encephalopathy; eclampsia; edema; nuclear magnetic resonance.