Labor Induction After Severe Preeclampsia With Maternal Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Complications Leading to Intrauterine Fetal Death: A Case Report

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical imaging syndrome characterized by vasogenic edema in the posterior cerebral circulation, with severe preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia as major etiologies. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome lesions are often reversible, but they can be potentially fatal in obstetric crises, causing serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, confusion, headache, visual symptoms, and stroke if not treated immediately. Neurological sequelae and even death may occur in a minority of these cases. In this paper, we report the case of a 26-year-old primigravida at 25 weeks of gestation who was irregular with obstetric visits. The patient presented with edema, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, blurry vision, falling down, and a maximum blood pressure of 190/85 mmHg. A brain MRI revealed PRES. Approximately 10 hours after admission, intrauterine fetal death occurred. After treatment, the patient was in stable condition and successfully induced for delivery.

Keywords: induction of labor (iol); intrauterine fetal death; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (pres); prenatal period; severe preeclampsia.