# Persistent Vegetative State Following a Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With Preeclampsia and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 35-year-old woman entered a persistent vegetative state after a cardiac arrest linked to preeclampsia and PRES, highlighting a possible connection between these conditions.

## Contribution

This case report explores the potential link between posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and persistent vegetative state following cardiac arrest.

## Key findings

- The patient developed PVS after a cardiac arrest following preeclampsia and a cesarean delivery.
- MRI findings were consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
- The patient was stabilized and weaned off mechanical ventilation but showed no neurological recovery.

## Abstract

We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient who presented to a tertiary referral hospital in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) following a cardiac arrest that occurred approximately one hour after an elective cesarean delivery for a postterm pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain performed seven days after the cardiac arrest showed findings consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Following transfer to our hospital, the patient was carefully evaluated, stabilized, and successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation. However, due to the lack of neurological recovery, the decision was made to transfer her to a neurorehabilitation center for further management. This case report explores the potential link between PRES and PVS.