Abstract
Objective:
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) occurs most commonly in the setting of known hypertension or use of immunosuppressive agents.
Design and methods:
We report four previously-well children who presented acutely with altered mentation, seizures and visual disturbances and were diagnosed with PRES.
Results:
Only one child had a history of gross hematuria prior to the seizure. All four were discovered to be hypertensive only after onset of their neurological symptoms, and were subsequently diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. All four had rapid resolution of neurological symptoms with adequate treatment of hypertension.
Conclusions:
Blood pressure must be measured promptly in all children presenting with these symptoms. If elevated, the diagnosis of PRES should be strongly considered and a workup for renal disease pursued.
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
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Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
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Blood Pressure / drug effects
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Blood Pressure / physiology
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Brain / diagnostic imaging
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Brain / pathology
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Brain / physiopathology
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Brain Diseases, Metabolic / diagnosis
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Brain Diseases, Metabolic / etiology*
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Brain Diseases, Metabolic / physiopathology
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Child
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Emergency Medical Services / standards
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Female
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Glomerulonephritis / complications*
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Glomerulonephritis / diagnosis
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Glomerulonephritis / physiopathology
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Humans
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Hypertension / complications*
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Hypertension / diagnosis
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Hypertension / physiopathology
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Kidney / physiopathology
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Seizures / drug therapy
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Seizures / etiology
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Seizures / physiopathology
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Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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Vision Disorders / etiology
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Vision Disorders / physiopathology
Substances
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Anticonvulsants
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Antihypertensive Agents