Open AccessPostpartum seizures with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following cesarean delivery for triplets
Author(s) -
Anita R Chhabra,
Sheetal R Jagtap
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of obstetric anaesthesia and critical care/journal of obstetric anaesthesia and critial care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-9539
pISSN - 2249-4472
DOI - 10.4103/2249-4472.132830
Subject(s) - medicine , posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome , eclampsia , encephalopathy , intensive care unit , anesthesia , magnetic resonance imaging , pregnancy , brain edema , postpartum period , cesarean delivery , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , radiology , biology , genetics
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a recently described clinicoradiologic entity that is associated with several medical conditions like hypertensive encephalopathy and eclampsia. It presents with rapid onset of symptoms including headache, seizures, altered consciousness, and visual disturbance. It is often, but not always associated with high blood pressure. We present a case of 23-year-old patient, with unremarkable antenatal period, who developed convulsions in the immediate postpartum period following elective cesarean delivery of her triplets performed under regional anesthesia. The magnetic resonance imaging brain revealed vasogenic edema suggestive of PRES. She was managed with supportive treatment including mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. She recovered completely without neurological sequelae and discharged on the 8 th postoperative day. This case report highlights the importance of awareness, prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve the outcome in this potentially life-threatening, but reversible condition