[Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by a cough and cold drug containing pseudoephedrine].
BACKGROUND
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinico-radiological entity characterized by neurologic symptoms in association with usually reversible bilateral posterior hemispheric oedema on neuroimaging. Many pathological conditions and treatments have been associated with this syndrome.


METHODS
We report a 19-year-old woman, followed-up for hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis, who presented with a posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by the intake of an over-the-counter cold remedy containing pseudoephedrine. Clinical manifestations and radiological abnormalities resolved after anti-hypertensive therapy and withdrawal of sympathomimetic drug.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome should be considered in patients with compatible clinical and radiological presentation because of its potential reversibility with an appropriate management. Intake of drugs, including over-the-counter cough and cold drugs, should be looked for in the history as well as autoimmune disorders.
Ebbo
M
M
Service de médecine interne, hôpital de la Conception, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 147, boulevard Baille, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France. mikael.ebbo@ap-hm.fr
Benarous
L
L
Thomas
G
G
Jourde
N
N
Genot
S
S
Bernit
E
E
Veit
V
V
Harlé
J-R
JR
Schleinitz
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020343:Hypertensive Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D054199:Pseudoephedrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014581:Urticaria / Q000139:chemically induced
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D054199:Pseudoephedrine