Objective: To describe the clinical course, diagnostic features and management of a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome after a lateral cranial base removal.
Patient: A 58-year-old male patient with an inconspicuous clinical history presented with a lethargic state without localized neurologic deficit in the postoperative period of a subtotal petrosectomy for an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the temporal bone.
Interventions: Cranial T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed increased signal intensity in the occipital and cerebellar regions, centered at the cortical and subcortical white matter. Antihypertensive drugs, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics were administered. A complete resolution of the symptoms and radiologic findings were achieved within 1 to 2 weeks.
Results: The clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and resolution of the clinical setting are consistent with a diagnosis of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome after a lateral cranial base surgery.