Cortical visual loss in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in late postpartum eclampsia: case series

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual disturbances in patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) associated with late postpartum eclampsia. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of late postpartum eclampsia patients with features of PRES for the presence of visual disturbances and location of radiological abnormalities. We found a higher prevalence of cortical visual loss in patients with PRES associated with late postpartum eclampsia. Bilateral symmetrical vasogenic edema of the parieto-occipital lobe was the most common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormality noted. No significant differences were observed in the extent of edema in patients with and without visual loss.

Figure 1

Axial MR image (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) showing confluent edema in subcortical and deep white matter (Grade 4) seen as hyperintensities in bilateral parieto-occipital lobes (patient 6)

Figure 2

Axial MR image (fluid attenuation inversion recovery) showing edema in subcortical white matter (Grade 2) seen as hyperintensities in bilateral occipital lobes (patient 9)