Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with ANCA-associated vasculitis

Rheumatol Int. 2012 Aug;32(8):2529-30. doi: 10.1007/s00296-010-1367-8. Epub 2010 Jul 10.

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome that manifests with the onset of headache, confusion or decreased level of consciousness, visual changes, and seizures in conjunction with the typical neuroimaging features of posterior cerebral white matter changes, which are usually reversible. This syndrome has been associated with hypertension, eclampsia, renal insufficiency, immunosuppressive drugs, and connective-tissue diseases. To our knowledge, only four cases of PRES associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis have been reported in the literature. Here, we present a patient with ANCA-associated vasculitis complicated by PRES.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / complications*
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis / therapy
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Brain / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / etiology*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / therapy
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents