# Unveiling the Hidden Culprit of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Superimposing Postpartum Eclampsia: A Rare Case

**Authors:** Smruti A Mapari, Deepti Shrivastava, Gautam N Bedi, Utkarsh Pradeep

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57006 · Cureus · 2024-03-26

## TL;DR

A rare case of PRES occurring with postpartum eclampsia is presented, emphasizing the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in highlighting the rare co-occurrence of PRES and postpartum eclampsia and its successful management.

## Key findings

- MRI confirmed PRES with hyperintensities in posterior parietal, frontal, and occipital lobes.
- Symptoms resolved after treatment with levetiracetam and labetalol.
- Literature review confirmed the rarity of PRES superimposing postpartum eclampsia.

## Abstract

The rare yet potentially fatal neurological complication known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can manifest during pregnancy. Alongside symptoms such as headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, and altered mental status, patients often experience seizures or loss of consciousness. Imaging typically reveals vascular edema affecting the parietal and occipital lobes within the subcortical region. We present the case of a 24-year-old patient who developed postpartum eclampsia followed by PRES. MRI findings demonstrated hyperintensities in the posterior parietal, frontal, and occipital lobes bilaterally, confirming the diagnosis. Prompt administration of levetiracetam and labetalol led to the resolution of the patient’s symptoms. Subsequently, we thoroughly searched online databases for peer-reviewed articles examining the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for PRES. Our evaluation of the case findings alongside existing literature underscored the rarity of PRES occurring concurrently with postpartum eclampsia, highlighting the importance of timely identification and intervention in managing this condition. Further research is warranted to enhance our understanding of PRES in the context of pregnancy-related complications.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** levetiracetam (PubChem CID 5284583), labetalol (PubChem CID 3869)
- **Diseases:** posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (MONDO:0044033)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** nausea (MESH:D009325), Postpartum Eclampsia (MESH:D004461), neurological complication (MESH:D002493), seizures (MESH:D012640), visual disturbances (MESH:D014786), headaches (MESH:D006261), PRES (MESH:D054038), loss of consciousness (MESH:D014474), vascular edema (MESH:D004487)
- **Chemicals:** levetiracetam (MESH:D000077287), labetalol (MESH:D007741)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11046172/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11046172/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11046172