Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a central nervous system disorder accompanied by vasogenic edema in white matter that is usually located in temporo-parieto-occipital area. Typically, PRES is presented with headaches, seizures, and change of consciousness. The most common etiologic factor is fluctuations in blood pressure. An eighty-eight-year-old female patient was evaluated because of her acute confused state. Medical history revealed hypertension. Blood pressure was 190/100 mmHg. The initial examination showed impaired consciousness. Radiological investigations of brain showed chronic ischemic lesions. Albuminocytological dissociation was detected in CSF examination. On the 6th day of admission, cranial MRI was repeated. Radiological findings were typical for PRES. The cranial MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of the PRES but, as in our case, despite the subtle clinical and radiological findings presented during admission, repeated MRI and CSF examination may contribute to a definite diagnosis. This case is remarkable for severe protein elevation in CSF, irreversible fatal course and radiographic evidence of vasogenic edema occurred subsequently.
Keywords: MRI findings; PRES; encephalopathy; hypertension.