Postpartum angiopathy with reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy

Abstract

Background: Postpartum angiopathy (PPA) is a cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome of uncertain cause that affects large and medium-sized cerebral arteries. Postpartum angiopathy is frequently complicated by ischemic stroke. The reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a distinct clinical-radiological entity characterized by transient vasogenic edema on brain imaging. The pathophysiological features of RPLS are related to small-vessel dysfunction and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.

Objectives: To report the coexistence of PPA and RPLS in 4 patients and to discuss possible interrelationships between these 2 entities.

Design: Four case reports and a review of the literature.

Results: Four women developed a clinical-radiological syndrome overlapping PPA and eclampsia shortly after an uncomplicated pregnancy. All had acute severe ("thunderclap") headaches and hypertension. Three developed seizures. All patients had reversible angiographic narrowing of large and medium-sized cerebral arteries. Serial magnetic resonance imaging showed transient nonischemic brain lesions, resembling the lesions described in patients with RPLS. The results of extensive tests for cerebral vasculitis were negative.

Conclusion: These cases, and the literature, suggest an interrelationship between RPLS and cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes such as PPA.