Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): A Rare Complication with Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Abstract

Incidence of pre eclampsia is 6-8% of all pregnancies worldwide. Two major complications of pre eclampsia include eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. In United Kingdom, eclampsia occurs in 1 in 2000 deliveries and has a mortality of 1.8%. HELLP syndrome occurs in 1 in 500 deliveries and can be as dangerous as eclampsia. In India the incidence of eclampsia is 3-4% with maternal mortality ratio of 10.44% and incidence of HELLP syndrome is 10-12% with a maternal mortality of 18%. In very rare cases, temporary vision loss can occur due to partial or complete cortical blindness due to petechial hemorrhages and focal vasogenic edema in the occipital cortex. The reported incidence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is 0.01%. We are reporting a case of PRES that was a cause of total cortical blindness in a patient with preeclampsia which was completely reversed with timely intervention and supportive treatment.