Malignant Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome—An Exacting Challenge for Neurocritical Care Physicians

Abstract

We report a case of malignant posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in a 62-year-old Caucasian female with a complex medical history and comorbidities admitted for bowel resection and lysis of iatrogenic bowel adhesions and enterocutaneous fistulas. Postoperatively, the patient developed sudden bilateral visual loss with no other neurologic deficits. Computed tomography scan showed very severe PRES-like changes, confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Systolic blood pressure remained around 170 mm HG. The patient was obtunded and remained unresponsive after MRI, with minimal response and a deteriorating clinical condition. The patient was given hyperosmolar therapy with a mannitol bolus. She recovered well with near resolution of imaging findings.