Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in patients with preeclampsia: case report

Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare clinico-radiological syndrome. Diagnosis is suspected in pregnant women suffering from eclampsia when brain CT scan shows radiological images suggestive of this disease. We here report the case of a 25-year-old pregnant woman at 33 weeks' gestation with a history of pre-eclampsia presenting with convulsive seizures and high blood pressure following cesarean section. The patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit; clinical and radiological investigations revealed PRES syndrome. The clinical course was favorable after control of blood pressure by appropriate treatment and anticonvulsant therapy. Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome is a neurological manifestation rarely occurring in patients with pre-eclampsia, but it is not exceptional; then diagnosis should be suspected in patients with neurological signs. Brain MRI is the best diagnostic tool.