Abnormal cerebral hemodynamics in pregnancy-related hypertensive encephalopathy.
A patient with an imminent pregnancy-related hypertensive encephalopathy is presented in whom transcranial Doppler ultrasound studies revealed increased middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities before and up to 7 days after cesarean section. These increased velocities are normally caused by cerebral vasospasm and subsequent hypoperfusion in pregnancy-related hypertensive encephalopathy. Additional duplex volume flow studies of the common carotid artery were in favor of cerebral hyperperfusion as a cause of the increased blood flow velocities. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Vliegen
J H
JH
Department of Neurology, Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Muskens
E
E
Keunen
R W
RW
Smith
S J
SJ
Godfried
W H
WH
Gerretsen
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography