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Case Reports
. 2025 Jun 3;17(6):e85287.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.85287. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in an Eclamptic Adolescent: A Case Report

Rachel Alef  1 , Amal Akhtar  2 , Maya Barrant  2 , Andrew Carilli  2 , Renee Alexis  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in an Eclamptic Adolescent: A Case Report

Rachel Alef et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological condition with diverse etiologies, characterized by transient changes in brain imaging and patient behavior. In this case report, a 13-year-old patient in labor developed eclampsia; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; and ultimately, PRES. PRES is relatively uncommon in adolescents and was likely triggered by the extreme hypertensive stress experienced by this patient. Prompt identification and treatment with antihypertensive and anti-seizure medications led to a relatively rapid resolution of the patient's postictal, minimally responsive state. Early recognition and management of PRES, particularly in adolescents, are crucial to reducing the risk of long-term complications. Although the long-term outcomes of PRES are not well understood, further research is needed to explore its potential impacts, especially in adolescent populations.

Keywords: adolescent pregnancy; eclampsia; high-risk pregnancy; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (pres); problems during pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Sagittal non-contrast computed tomography brain scan
The red circle represents hypodensity in the right posterior parietal lobe, suggesting posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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