Reversible cortical blindness: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

J Indian Med Assoc. 2010 Nov;108(11):778-80.

Abstract

Cortical blindness is defined as visual failure with preserved pupillary reflexes in structurally intact eyes due to bilateral lesions affecting occipital cortex. Bilateral oedema and infarction of the posterior and middle cerebral arterial territory, trauma, glioma and meningioma of the occipital cortex are the main causes of cortical blindness. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) refers to the reversible subtype of cortical blindness and is usually associated with hypertension, diabetes, immunosuppression, puerperium with or without eclampsia. Here, 3 cases of PRES with complete or partial visual recovery following treatment in 6-month follow-up are reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blindness, Cortical / diagnosis*
  • Blindness, Cortical / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypertensive Encephalopathy / diagnosis*
  • Hypertensive Encephalopathy / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Glucocorticoids