title: Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Presenting With Visual Field Defects.
abstract: A 45-year-old woman with a history of depression and anxiety, treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), experienced acute, recurrent, and severe bifrontal headaches. Over time, she developed a left homonymous hemianopia and mental status changes. MRA revealed segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries in multiple vascular distributions. She was treated with a calcium-channel blocker and magnesium, and there was resolution of her symptoms and cerebrovascular changes. Her clinical course and neuroimaging findings were consistent with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Although rare, this disorder frequently manifests with visual complaints. Although the prognosis is generally favorable, patients with this syndrome require prompt diagnosis and care directed to avoid complications including stroke, seizure, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin (MLR, ALR, DWK), Madison, WI; and Essentia Health (ARM), Ophthalmology, Duluth, MN.
authors.forename: Meisha L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Raven
authors.forename: Alexander L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ringeisen
authors.forename: Angela R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: McAllister
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Knoch
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006423:Hemianopsia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008875:Middle Aged; D013577:Syndrome; D020301:Vasospasm, Intracranial / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology*