Journal of IMAB - Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers)
Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:
1312-773X (Online)
Issue:
2026, vol. 32, issue2
Subject Area:
Medicine
-
DOI:
10.5272/jimab.2026322.6920
Published online: 22 June 2026
Case report
J of IMAB. 2026 Apr-Jun;32(2):6920-6923
POSTERIOR REVERSIBLE ENCEPHALOPATHY SYNDROME AND PREECLAMPSIA: CASE REPORT AND BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW
Nikoleta Stoyanova1
, Nikola Popovski1


, Asparuh Nikolov2
,
1) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University - Pleven, Bulgaria.
2) Department of Pre-clinical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Pleven, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Purpose: Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic condition characterized by reversible subcortical white matter and cortical edema, commonly affecting the parieto-occipital regions. Pregnancy, particularly in the context of preeclampsia or eclampsia, represents a significant risk factor for PRES.
Material/methods: We report a case of a 26-year-old woman with monochorionic diamniotic twins who developed PRES in the immediate postoperative period following elective cesarean section at 36 weeks of gestation. Despite initial normal blood pressure and laboratory findings, she experienced sudden bilateral vision loss accompanied by confusion.
Results: MRI revealed symmetrical occipital cortical hyperintensities consistent with PRES. Intensive management, including antihypertensive therapy and close monitoring, led to full recovery of vision and normalization of MRI findings within one month.
Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and early intervention in PRES, even in normotensive postpartum patients. Awareness of PRES in the context of pregnancy is critical, as timely diagnosis and management significantly improve clinical outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological sequelae.
Keywords: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, preeclampsia, complication,
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Please cite this article as: Stoyanova N, Popovski N, Nikolov A. Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Preeclampsia: Case Report and Brief Literature Review. J of IMAB. 2026 Apr-Jun;32(2):6920-6923. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026322.6920]
Correspondence to: Nikola Popovski, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Pleven; 1, St Kliment Ohridski Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria. E-mail: n_popovsky@abv.bg
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Received: 01 October 2025
Published online: 22 June 2026
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