# A (PRES)sing Matter: Two Cases of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in Pregnancy and Postpartum

**Authors:** Jithin Reddy Vennapusa, Prabhav Kashyap Godavarthy, Shreya Garikipaty, Maitri Kulkarni, Sangeeta Chippa

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79255 · Cureus · 2025-02-18

## TL;DR

This paper presents two cases of PRES in pregnancy and postpartum, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

## Contribution

The paper contributes to understanding PRES in pregnancy through detailed case reports and discussion of management strategies.

## Key findings

- PRES occurred in one antepartum and one postpartum patient with severe hypertension and neurological symptoms.
- Urgent blood pressure control and seizure prophylaxis were required for both cases.
- Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent significant morbidity in PRES.

## Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare but serious neurological condition characterized by headaches, seizures, vision disturbances, and altered mental status. While it is commonly associated with hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia and eclampsia, its exact pathophysiology remains unclear. We discuss the cases of two obstetric patients diagnosed with PRES: one in antepartum and the other during postpartum. Both exhibited severe hypertension and neurological symptoms, confirmed with neuroimaging, requiring urgent intervention with blood pressure control and seizure prophylaxis. Despite the reversible nature of PRES, a delay in diagnosis can lead to significant morbidity. These cases highlight the diverse clinical presentations of PRES and underscore the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management to prevent complications. Through a discussion of potential underlying mechanisms, imaging findings, and treatment strategies, this report contributes to the growing understanding of PRES in pregnancy and postpartum, emphasizing the need for continued research and awareness.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (MONDO:0044033), preeclampsia (MONDO:0005081), eclampsia (MONDO:0001754)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** headaches (MESH:D006261), vision disturbances (MESH:D014786), seizure (MESH:D012640), preeclampsia (MESH:D011225), eclampsia (MESH:D004461), neurological condition (MESH:D019636), neurological symptoms (MESH:D009461), PRES (MESH:D054038), hypertension (MESH:D006973)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11835615/full.md

## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11835615/full.md

## References

15 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11835615/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11835615