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Transient bilateral blindness and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A rare complication of enuresis treatment
Author(s) -
Branson Joceline A.,
Dale Russell C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2008.01337.x
Subject(s) - medicine , complication , posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome , enuresis , encephalopathy , cortical blindness , blindness , transient (computer programming) , surgery , pediatrics , anesthesia , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , optometry , computer science , operating system
Enuresis is a common paediatric problem which is sometimes treated with anticholinergic drugs. We report a 4‐year‐old girl who presented with acute bilateral blindness, a focal seizure and hypertension 10 days after commencing oxybutynin to treat enuresis. Magnetic resonance imaging brain showed features of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a recognised but rare complication of hypertension in children. Discontinuing the oxybutynin leads to complete neurological recovery associated with normalisation of her blood pressure. We believe this case represents a rare complication of anticholinergic therapy. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a treatable and reversible cause of acute encephalopathy with blindness, as long as an early diagnosis is made.