An unusual presentation of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome—a case report

Abstract

Background

Acute neurological emergencies in pregnant and postpartum women presenting as headache, visual disturbances, seizures, and elevated blood pressure are usually attributed to preeclampsia and eclampsia. However cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are two important, rare conditions which should be considered. PRES is a rare neuroradiological syndrome characterised by vasogenic oedema of subcortical white matter, commonly involving posterior cerebral hemispheres. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are the common causes of PRES. However, late postpartum eclampsia concurrent to PRES is rare. Here, we report a rare case of PRES secondary to late postpartum eclampsia with atypical radiological findings.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old married woman with prior history of two spontaneous abortions presented to us on day 5 postpartum, post lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) with complaints of headache followed by one episode of new onset generalised tonic-clonic seizures. There was no history of seizures prior to the pregnancy and no history of hypertension or diabetes during any of her pregnancies. On examination, BP was 140/90 mm Hg and PR 98 bpm. Systemic examination revealed GCS 15/15, no focal neurological deficits, and bilateral flexor plantar response. Fundus examination was normal with no evidence of hypertensive retinopathy. Preliminary haematological and biochemical tests including antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) profile were done in view of prior abortions and were within normal limits. Lumbar puncture was done—normal study. EEG was normal. MRI with MRV was suggestive of atypical posterior encephalopathy. In view of late onset postpartum seizure, the patient was started on injection of magnesium sulphate, anti-hypertensives, and antiepileptics; following which, she improved and was discharged.

Conclusion

Though preeclampsia and eclampsia are usually screened entities, we should also follow women in puerperium for late postpartum eclampsia which is defined as seizures beyond 48 h of delivery up to 4 weeks postpartum. So it is important to follow-up postpartum women for complications like PRES because early detection and treatment can lessen the morbidity and mortality as they are completely reversible. Thus, health care professionals should be educated about the same. Apart from antenatal and intrapartum care, postpartum care should also be given equal importance.

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an acute neuroradiological entity presenting with non-specific signs and symptoms such as headache, altered mental status, seizures, visual disturbances in the form of cortical blindness, and focal neurological deficits [1, 2]. Typical radiological findings show oedema of the posterior cerebral regions that is the parieto-occipital lobes. However, atypical PRES presents with involvement of anterior cerebral regions and deep white matter [3]. Preeclampsia, eclampsia, infection, sepsis, shock, autoimmune disease, cancer chemotherapy, hypertension, and solid organ or bone marrow transplantation are the predominant causes described in association with PRES [4]. Preeclampsia and eclampsia are the most common causes of PRES.

Hereby, reporting a rare case of late postpartum eclampsia with atypical radioimaging, diagnosed to be PRES.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old postpartum female presented to us with history of generalised tonic-clonic seizures lasting for 2 min duration associated with tongue bite and loss of consciousness preceded by headache lasting for half an hour.

Patient was apparently alright 4 days ago when she developed first episode of GTCS on day 5 postpartum following which she was hospitalised outside and evaluated for the same with MRI and MRV which were normal. Vitals, routine blood and urine examination, CSF analysis, and EEG were normal. Patient was started on antiepileptics (levetiracetam 500 mg; fosphenytoin 150 mg intravenously twice a day), despite which she continued to have seizures with preceding headache; in view of which, she was referred to our hospital for further workup. There was no history of weakness, visual disturbance, fever, neck stiffness, and trauma.

Her antenatal period was uneventful. There was no history of diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy, no previous episodes of seizures, and no history of pedal oedema during pregnancy. She was diagnosed to have hypothyroidism during pregnancy and was on tablet thyroxine 12.5 μg supplementation. She had history of two first trimester abortions (missed abortion followed by a spontaneous abortion). However, she was not evaluated for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLAS). Her present pregnancy was full term, and she had undergone LSCS in view of cephalopelvic disproportion.

On general examination, patient was conscious, oriented, afebrile, well built, and nourished. LSCS scar was healthy. Vitals on admission showed a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg, heart rate of 82 per minute, saturating at 100% on room air, and capillary blood glucose of 102 mg/dl. Systemic examination including the central nervous system examination was unremarkable. Antiepileptics were continued. Baseline investigations were repeated including MRI with MRV after neurologist consultation. MRI with MRV showed multiple areas of T2/FLAIR hyperintensities in subcortical and white matter areas of bilateral occipital, posterior parietal, and right frontal regions; superficial cortical sinuses appeared normal, features suggesting of atypical posterior encephalopathy. During the course of hospital stay, patient developed another episode of focal seizures and complained of left upper and lower limb numbness. Her blood pressure recordings were noted to be high (ranging from 130/70 to 180/120 mm Hg).

Patient was diagnosed to have late postpartum eclampsia with suspected PRES and was started on injection of magnesium sulphate, injection labetolol, and tablet nifedipine along with antiepileptics (levetiracetam 500 mg; fosphenytoin 150 mg intravenously twice a day). Gynaecologist consultation was sought. Ophthalmologist consultation was obtained, and there was no evidence of hypertensive retinopathy/papilledema. Cardiologist consultation was obtained, and screening echo was normal. Nephrologist’s opinion was obtained, and renal artery Doppler was suggested and it was normal. Rheumatologist’s consultation was obtained for prior first trimester abortions to rule out connective tissue disorder and was advised ANA, Anti-dsDNA, beta-2 glycoprotein, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody which were normal. Following magnesium sulphate injections and antihypertensives, patient’s blood pressure was under control, and there were no further episodes of seizures; hence, patient was discharged after 10 days of admission, with advice of continuing antihypertensives and antiepileptics (levetiracetam 500 mg twice a day).

Patient returned to us after 1 week; she was asymptomatic, and blood pressure was 100/60 mm Hg. Repeat MRI was done which showed resolution of previous signs hence diagnosis of PRES was confirmed.

Investigations

Admission MRI images

Admission MRI images are shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Fig. 1

T2 ill-defined hyperintensities in the right occipital lobe

Fig. 2

FLAIR ill-defined hyperintensities in the right occipital lobe

Fig. 3

T2 ill-defined hyperintensities in parietofrontal lobes right more than left

Fig. 4

FLAIR ill-defined hyperintensities in parietofrontal lobes right more than left

Fig. 5

Diffusion restriction in bilateral frontal and parietal lobes respectively

Fig. 6

Diffusion restriction in bilateral frontal and parietal lobes respectively

Follow-up images after 15 days

Figures 7, 8, and 9 show the follow-up images after 15 days.

Fig. 7

T2 FLAIR MRI image showing complete resolution of frontal and occipital hyperintensities

Fig. 8

Resolving T2 FLAIR and DWI images showing diffusion restriction in parietal lobe

Fig. 9

Resolving T2 FLAIR and DWI images showing diffusion restriction in parietal lobe

Discussion

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicating around 10% of all pregnancies with significant maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality [5]. Preeclampsia is characterised by hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive individual with signs and symptoms of target organ injury. Eclampsia is abrupt development of seizures or coma during the gestational period or postpartum not attributable to any other cause [6]. Usually, it occurs between 20 weeks of pregnancy and 48 h postpartum. A few cases occur from 48 h to 4 weeks postpartum called as late postpartum eclampsia or preeclampsia [7]. PRES with late onset eclampsia is a rarely encountered entity; as a result, most of the clinicians are unaware about the same [8].

In more than 90% of delayed presentation of postpartum eclampsia, there will at least be one early missed symptom suggesting preeclampsia which usually goes unreported by the patient to the treating physician; this prevents the diagnosis and treatment of the same, leading to increased risk of onset of PRES [9, 10].

Conclusion

As stated above, PRES can manifest as late postpartum eclampsia without prior evidence of preeclampsia and eclampsia during antenatal period. It is of utmost importance that the treating physician is aware of such condition, so that prompt diagnosis and early treatment is administered to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality as PRES is reversible.

Limitations

Angiographic study was not done to rule out vascular pathology.