Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome
Introduction
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a syndrome characterised by headache, confusion, seizures and visual loss associated with imaging findings of bilateral cortical and subcortical brain edema. Common precipitating factors are abrupt elevations of blood pressure, renal decompensation, fluid retention, and immunosuppressive therapy. It was first described in 1996.[1]
It is also known as reversible posterior Leukoencephalopathy syndrome [RPLS]. it occurs due to elevation in Blood pressure. The condition is reversed by control of Blood pressure and withdrawal of the drug producing the symptoms.
MRI Images with Axial Flare
MRI Images with Axial Flare
Life Threatening Causes
Common Causes
Causes by Organ System
| Cardiovascular | No underlying causes |
| Chemical/Poisoning | No underlying causes |
| Dental | No underlying causes |
| Dermatologic | No underlying causes |
| Drug Side Effect | Axitinib, Lenvatinib, Sorafenib |
| Ear Nose Throat | No underlying causes |
| Endocrine | No underlying causes |
| Environmental | No underlying causes |
| Gastroenterologic | No underlying causes |
| Genetic | No underlying causes |
| Hematologic | No underlying causes |
| Iatrogenic | No underlying causes |
| Infectious Disease | No underlying causes |
| Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic | No underlying causes |
| Neurologic | No underlying causes |
| Nutritional/Metabolic | No underlying causes |
| Obstetric/Gynecologic | No underlying causes |
| Oncologic | No underlying causes |
| Ophthalmologic | No underlying causes |
| Overdose/Toxicity | No underlying causes |
| Psychiatric | No underlying causes |
| Pulmonary | No underlying causes |
| Renal/Electrolyte | No underlying causes |
| Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy | No underlying causes |
| Sexual | No underlying causes |
| Trauma | No underlying causes |
| Urologic | No underlying causes |
| Miscellaneous | No underlying causes |
Causes in Alphabetical Order
References
References
- ↑ Hinchey J, Chaves C, Appignani B, Breen J, Pao L, Wang A, Pessin M, Lamy C, Mas J, Caplan L (1996). “A reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome”. N Engl J Med. 334 (8): 494–500. PMID 8559202.