Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: Distinct Clinical Entities with Overlapping Pathophysiology

Alex Levitt; Richard Zampolin; Judah Burns; Jacqueline A Bello; Shira E Slasky

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2019.07.001

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: Distinct Clinical Entities with Overlapping Pathophysiology

Radiol Clin North Am. 2019 Nov;57(6):1133-1146. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2019.07.001. Epub 2019 Aug 16.

Authors

Alex Levitt¹, Richard Zampolin², Judah Burns², Jacqueline A Bello², Shira E Slasky²

Affiliations

¹ Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1400 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Electronic address: levitta@nychhc.org.
² Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.

PMID: 31582040
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2019.07.001

Abstract

The clinical and radiologic manifestations of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome are reviewed. The relationship between these entities is discussed. A hypothesis of a common underlying pathophysiology is proposed and substantiated based on the current medical literature.

Keywords: Brain; Posterior reversible encephalopathy; Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction; Seizure.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Brain / diagnostic imaging*
Brain / physiopathology*
Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging
Brain Diseases / physiopathology
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
Syndrome
Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
Vasoconstriction / physiology*