Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome due to severe hypercalcemia.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a leukoencephalopathy clinically characterized by headache, altered mental status, visual loss and seizures. Neuroimaging demonstrates symmetrical posterior cortical and subcortical lesions. The exact pathophysiology is unknown but there is a strong association with immunosuppressants and hypertension. We report two cases of PRES in normotensive patients with severe hypercalcemia as the only identifiable cause. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.
Kastrup
O
O
Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. oliver.kastrup@uni-essen.de
Maschke
M
M
Wanke
I
I
Diener
H C
HC
D000368:Aged; D019575:Blindness, Cortical / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001928:Brain Diseases, Metabolic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000150:complications*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010954:Plasmacytoma / Q000150:complications
D002118:Calcium