title: Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) After Acute Pancreatitis.
abstract: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an unusual condition typified by acute visual impairment caused by sudden, marked parieto-occipital vasogenic edema. Thought to be inflammatory in origin, it has been described in patients undergoing chemotherapy, with autoimmune disease, and in some infections. We report a case of PRES that occurred one week after an episode of acute pancreatitis in an otherwise healthy 40-year-old female. There was progressive visual impairment over a 24-hour period with almost complete visual loss, with characteristic findings on magnetic resonance imaging. After treatment with steroids, the visual loss recovered. Clinicians should retain an index of suspicion of this rare condition in patients with visual impairment after acute pancreatitis.
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie Medical School, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.affiliation: Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, New Brunswick, Canada.
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Al-Sharief
authors.affiliation: Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, New Brunswick, Canada.
authors.forename: Vineeta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sethi
authors.affiliation: Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, New Brunswick, Canada.
authors.forename: Gurpreet S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Ranger
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications*; D054038:Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*