TITLE:
Reversible Posterior Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
AUTHORS:
Mamady Camara, Souleymane Djigué Barry, Laila Toure, Aboubacar Sidiki Sacko, Koudalaye Camara, Yaya Aminou Sanni, Alpha Camara, Baki Dominique Bathoumla Camara, Eugene Lamah, Alhassane Sall, Mamadou Lamarana Diallo, Mohamed Salifou Camara, Mohamed Lamine Conde, Ibrahima Sory Konate, Seny Youla, Fodé Abass Cisse
KEYWORDS:
Encephalopathy, Posterior, Reversible, Neurology, Guinea
JOURNAL NAME:
Voice of the Publisher,
Vol.10 No.2,
June
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is considered benign and potentially reversible, the mortality and morbidity of which remains unknown until now in Guinea. This under-diagnosed pathology in tropical environments is becoming increasingly recognized due to the increased availability of brain imaging. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, radiological and evolutionary characteristics of PRES in Guinea. Material and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, lasting two (2) years from November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2023 at the Neurology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry. All patients with a diagnosis of PRES were included, based on the following criteria: an acute onset neurological sign or symptom explained by vasogenic edema on brain imaging. Incomplete patient records were excluded. Results: Of 1393 patient files studied, seventeen (17) were diagnosed with PRES, representing a hospital frequency of 1.2%. The mean age was 39.3 ± 10.7 years, with extremes of 26 and 52 years. Females were predominant, with a sex ratio of 0.2. The clinical presentation was dominated by headache in 76.4% of cases, followed by visual and consciousness disturbances (64.7% and 35.2% respectively). The topography of cerebral lesions was essentially occipital (100%), parietal (82.3%) and frontal (58.8%). We observed 58.8% complete reversibility of symptoms, but 35.2% of patients retained sequelae, and we recorded 17.6% deaths. Conclusion: PRES is generally benign, with the possibility of sequelae and mortality.