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01-02-2007 | Review

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in intensive care medicine

Authors: Giuseppe Servillo, Francesca Bifulco, Edoardo De Robertis, Ornella Piazza, Pasquale Striano, Fabio Tortora, Salvatore Striano, Rosalba Tufano

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a well-recognized clinico-neuroradiological transient condition. Early recognition is of paramount importance for prompt control of blood pressure or removal of precipitating factors and treatment of epileptic seizures or status epilepticus. Delay in the diagnosis and treatment may in fact results in death or in irreversible neurological sequelae.

Discussion

PRES is characterized by headache, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances and is associated with a number of different causes, most commonly acute hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and immunosuppressive agents. Clinical symptoms and neuroradiological findings are typically indistinguishable among the cases of PRES, regardless of underlying cause. Magnetic resonance studies typically show edema involving the white matter of cerebral posterior regions, especially parieto-occipital lobes but frontal and temporal lobes, and other encephalic structures may be involved.

Conclusions

Intensivists and other physicians involved in the evaluation of patients with presumed PRES must be aware of the clinical spectrum of the associated conditions, the diagnostic modalities, and the correct treatment.

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Title: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in intensive care medicine
Authors: Giuseppe Servillo
Francesca Bifulco
Edoardo De Robertis
Ornella Piazza
Pasquale Striano
Fabio Tortora
Salvatore Striano
Rosalba Tufano
Publication date: 01-02-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-006-0459-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in intensive care medicine

Abstract

Background

Discussion

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Discussion

Conclusions

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