A Case Report of Severe Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Due to Accelerated Hypertension in a Young Patient

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) refers to white matter vasogenic edema primarily affecting the brain's posterior occipital and parietal lobes, causing acute neurological symptoms like headaches, visual symptoms, seizures, and altered mental status. We present the case of a 32-year-old male with uncontrolled hypertension, altered mental status, and left-sided weakness. He had a rapid neurological decline, and a computed tomography (CT) head showed blurring of gray-white matter interfaces in the right posterior parietal lobe, suggesting infarction or PRES. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain suggested worsening with acute-early subacute infarction involving the right temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes and diffuse cerebral edema causing compression of the right ventricle with diffuse sulcal effacement and central downward herniation. There were flair hyperintensities in the bifrontal, pons, and cerebellum. Given the history of uncontrolled hypertension, the right hemispheric infarction and edema were thought to be due to secondary complications of severe PRES. He underwent urgent bilateral craniectomies with dural augmentation and external ventricular drain placement to control the intracranial pressure the next day. His mental status, as well as neurologic function, showed gradual improvement in the next few months. A high index of suspicion and rapid treatment can pave the way for a quick recovery and help reduce morbidity and death.