Non-hypertension-associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in COVID-19

Dhruva Sharma; Deeksha S Tomar; Sachin Gupta

doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24218

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Non-hypertension-associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in COVID-19

Dhruva Sharma, Deeksha S Tomar, Sachin Gupta

Keywords : COVID-19 infection, Inflammation, Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Citation Information : Sharma D, Tomar DS, Gupta S. Non-hypertension-associated Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in COVID-19. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022; 26 (5):639-640.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24218

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 30-04-2022

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Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection-related neurological events are not uncommon but presenting as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) without hypertension is a very rare presentation and requires a high index of suspicion. Case summary: We report a case of a middle-aged female who presented with severe COVID-19 disease with no neurological symptoms. She complained of diminished vision on day 7 of the illness and underwent an MRI brain to rule out an ischemic stroke but the findings were suggestive of PRES. She had no episode of hypertension during the hospital stay. Probably severe COVID-related inflammation was the reason for such a presentation. Conservative management resolved the issue and her symptoms weaned off. Conclusion: Severe COVID disease can lead to PRES-like symptoms and requires neuroimaging to validate it. Conservative management is the best treatment for such patients.

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