Rituximab-Associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Severe Hydralazine-Induced Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody Vasculitis: An Unexpected Complication

TL;DR

A patient with vasculitis developed a rare brain condition called PRES shortly after receiving rituximab, highlighting the need for close monitoring during treatment.

Contribution

This case report highlights a rare but serious complication of rituximab in patients with hydralazine-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Findings

PRES occurred within hours of the second rituximab dose in a patient with hydralazine-induced vasculitis.

Vigilant monitoring is needed for neurological complications in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for severe vasculitis.

Rituximab should be considered a potential cause of PRES in patients with active or drug-induced vasculitis.

Abstract

Patients with vasculitis are at an inherently increased risk for developing posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) due to disease-related factors such as uncontrolled hypertension, renal dysfunction, endothelial injury, and the need for potent immunosuppressive therapies. Although PRES remains uncommon in vasculitis cohorts, it has been reported in association with several therapeutic agents, including rituximab, high-dose glucocorticoids, and cyclophosphamide.

We present a case of hydralazine-induced dual-positive ANCA-associated vasculitis complicated by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient subsequently developed PRES within hours of receiving her second dose of rituximab. PRES is a rare but serious complication associated with rituximab, particularly in patients with active or drug-induced ANCA-associated vasculitis. Vigilant monitoring is recommended in those with severe inflammation or unstable blood pressure. Any new focal neurologic deficits, seizures, visual changes, or altered mental status after rituximab infusion should raise concern for PRES and warrant immediate cessation of therapy and urgent diagnostic evaluation, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance for neurologic complications during immunosuppressive treatment of severe vasculitis.

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