Pediatric posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome presenting with isolated cerebellar edema and obstructive hydrocephalus

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2014 Oct;14(4):344-7. doi: 10.3171/2014.6.PEDS13553. Epub 2014 Jul 25.

Abstract

In this report, the authors describe the case of a teenage boy who presented with hypertensive emergency, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and hydrocephalus due to fourth ventricle outlet obstruction. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a well-characterized but uncommon syndrome in children that is generally triggered by severe hypertension. The unusual clinical picture of this patient, who had isolated cerebellar edema leading to obstructive hydrocephalus, has been rarely described in children.

Keywords: BUN = blood urea nitrogen; Cr = creatinine; ED = emergency department; EVD = external ventricular drain; PRES = posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; hypertension; obstructive hydrocephalus; pediatric; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; vascular disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antihypertensive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Brain Edema / complications
  • Brain Edema / etiology*
  • Cerebellum / pathology*
  • Drainage / methods
  • Fourth Ventricle
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology*
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Hypertension / complications*
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / etiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / complications*
  • Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents