angiopathy cerebral postpartum

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity, but its pathophysiology is poorly characterized. We investigated characteristics of pregnancy-associated ICH (P-ICH), compared with ICH in similar aged nonpregnant adults of both sexes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 134 adults aged 18 to 44 years admitted to our center with nontraumatic ICH from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. We compared ICH characteristics among 3 groups: those with P-ICH (pregnant or within 12 months of end of pregnancy); nonpregnant women; and men...

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) refers to segmental, multifocal constriction of intracranial arteries along with acute headache and resolves within weeks. It occurs more commonly in women, and 1 well-known manifestation of RCVS is postpartum angiopathy. Furthermore, the female sex is included in scoring systems designed to assist with diagnosing RCVS. Nonetheless, the literature is mixed regarding the true role of female and pregnancy-related factors in the pathophysiology of RCVS, and it is similarly unclear whether management of this disorder differs by sex...

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a clinicoradiological syndrome characterized by segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries with resolution in most patients within 1 to 3 months. It has been known to be a benign uniphasic reversible illness but cases of fulminant RCVS with mortality have also been reported. The symptoms can be varied with presentations like transient ischemic attack (TIA), ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)...

This is a case of a 32-year-old primigravid who developed sudden severe headache on the 7th day postpartum associated with focal neurologic deficits and altered sensorium. She had a GCS score of 6, anisocoric pupils and an NIHSS score of 31. Cranial MRI with MRA showed multifocal hyperacute to acute infarcts on the left occipital lobe, left thalamus, and midbrain which was more prominent on the right. Due to clinical deterioration, a repeat Cranial MRI with MRA was done and showed progression of infarcts involving both thalami and right pons with interval appearance of contour irregularities in the proximal anterior cerebral, posterior cerebral, basilar and internal carotid arteries...

Acute neurological problems are significant disorders of pre- and postpartum period in women. We analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) profile of patients presenting with peripartum encephalopathy over 2 years. Of 51 patients, MRI was abnormal in 40 patients and normal in 11 patients. Posterior reversible encephalopathy (13/40), cerebral venous thrombosis (6/40), and postpartum angiopathy (3/40) are the three most common causes of peripartum encephalopathy as identified in MRI. The other less common but important etiology include HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet) syndrome (2), osmotic demyelination (2), antiphospholipid syndrome (2), tubercular meningitis/cerebritis (3), pituitary hyperplasia with hemorrhage (2), postictal edema (2), cerebellitis (1), transient splenial lesion (1), and changes of old trauma and stroke (one each)...

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient characteristics, radiological findings and the clinical course of adults with fatal reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). METHODS: A systematic literature search from January 1, 2000, until December 31, 2018, was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane reviews, LILACS and Scielo. Studies reporting RCVS in adult patients with fatal outcomes were included. RESULTS: 430 studies were initially identified, 179 full-text articles were reviewed, and 9 publications describing 12 subjects were included...

Cerebrovascular disease is not uncommon during pregnancy as a result of either venous or arterial occlusion, or a hemorrhagic event, resulting in ischemia. Pregnancy may alter the prognosis of these neurologic disorders, with increased risks of morbidity and mortality for the mother and the developing fetus. Etiologies of stroke during pregnancy and the postpartum period include preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), amniotic fluid embolism, postpartum angiopathy, postpartum cardiomyopathy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), cerebral venous thrombosis, CNS infections, and maternal thrombophilia...

An estimated 25-40% of ischemic strokes are classified as cryptogenic, which means the cause of the cerebral infarction remains unidentified. One of the potential pathomechanisms - especially among young patients with no cardiovascular risk factors - is paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale. Pregnancy, cesarean delivery and the postpartum period are associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular events. Factors that may contribute to ischemic strokes during gestation and puerperium include classic cardiovascular risk factors, changes in hemostaseology/hemodynamics, and pregnancy-specific disorders such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, postpartum cerebral angiopathy or peripartum cardiomyopathy...

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the unique physiologic changes that characterize pregnancy and the puerperium, some that substantially affect the cerebrovascular system. Conditions that can cause neurologic deterioration and share features with preeclampsia-eclampsia include postpartum angiopathy, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and amniotic fluid embolism. Other conditions not specific to this patient group include cerebral venous thrombosis, cervicocephalic arterial dissection, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke, which can pose specific diagnostic and therapeutic challenges...

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nature and conditions of the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of bromocriptine, which is used to inhibit lactation. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Cases from the French pharmacovigilance database and the marketing authorisation holders. SAMPLE: Serious ADRs reported between 1994 and 2010 in association with bromocriptine used for lactation inhibition in France. METHODS: Each case was checked to confirm the bromocriptine indication, the seriousness of the ADR, the modalities of bromocriptine use, and to identify possible associated predisposing factors...

Cerebrovascular complications of pregnancy, though uncommon, threaten women with severe morbidity or death, and they are the main causes of major long-term disability associated with pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation and diagnosis, and management and outcomes of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and cerebral venous thrombosis. We also discuss the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome including postpartum cerebral angiopathy, and their relationship as overlapping manifestations of pre-eclampsia-eclampsia...

Neurocritical care complications of pregnancy and puerperum such as preeclampsia/eclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, seizures, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, postpartum angiopathy, cerebral sinus thrombosis, amniotic fluid emboli, choriocarcinoma, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are rare but can be devastating. These conditions can present a challenge to physicians because pregnancy is a unique physiologic state, most therapeutic options available in the intensive care unit were not studied in pregnant patients, and in many situations, physicians need to deliver care to both the mother and the fetus, simultaneously...

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy (PCA) is a cerebrovascular disease that occurs during the postpartum period. It is characterized by reversible multifocal vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries. We report a patient with PCA proven by cerebral angiography that revealed multifocal, segmental narrowing of the cerebral arteries and non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient suddenly deteriorated with focal neurological deficits on the 5 th day of hospitalization. She was treated with calcium-channel blockers and monitored with daily transcranial Doppler ultrasound...

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy is a relatively rare condition. It can cause either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or both, and usually occurs within the first week following non-complicated pregnancy and natural delivery. Although its pathophysiology is unclear, the cause of the condition is believed to be prolonged reversible vasospasm. We present an unusual case of a 37-year-old woman who developed right hemiparesis with aphasia on day 8 of natural delivery complicated by pulmonary embolism. Steroids, heparin, and calcium channel blockers were successfully instituted and the patient was discharged from the hospital on day 50...

Several diverse neurological conditions may be seen during pregnancy and the post partum period. These usually require neuroimaging for definitive diagnosis and range from a predisposition to neurovascular abnormalities, such as acute ischaemic stroke and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, through to more specific pregnancy-related conditions, such as eclampsia/posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy and post-partum angiopathy. Additionally, the pregnant patient is predisposed to pituitary disease. It is necessary that the radiologist has an awareness of these conditions to allow swift specific diagnoses or suggest the most appropriate diagnosis when imaging findings are non-specific...

Reversible lesions on magnetic resonance imaging that transiently restrict diffusion in the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC) without any other accompanying lesions have been reported in various clinical conditions. We offer the first report of postpartum cerebral angiopathy with reversible SCC lesions.

Postpartum angiopathy as clinical presentation of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome remains an intriguing phenomenon. The diagnosis needs to be considered in women presenting with thunderclap headache with or without associated neurological deficits. Here, we present a patient with thunderclap headache with initial normal laboratory and cerebral imaging findings, including intracranial angiography. Her condition worsened over several days and magnetic resonance imaging revealed changes initially compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, sequentially ischemic stroke and narrowing of the intracranial arteries...

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy (PCA) is a rare vasoconstriction syndrome that can lead to severe disability and death. The pathophysiology of PCA is unknown. A case of a 39-year-old woman who developed PCA 3 days after twin delivery is reported. She presented with right hemiparesis, aphasia and lethargy. Imaging studies demonstrated severe segmental narrowing of multiple cerebral arteries comprising the anterior and posterior circulations. She continued to deteriorate despite induced hypertension, immunosuppression, intravenous magnesium and oral nimodipine...

Neurologic complications and conditions associated with pregnancy are rare. Frequently, presenting symptoms of neurologic conditions are nonspecific and can overlap with normal symptoms of pregnancy. As a result, clinical assessment can be insufficient to differentiate symptoms of a normal pregnancy from a neurologic disorder. It is imperative that the radiologist have a basic familiarity with the most common neurologic conditions encountered in pregnancy. The most commonly imaged acute and nonemergent disorders will be described, including eclampsia, cerebrovascular disease including cerebral venous thrombosis, postpartum cerebral angiopathy, multiple sclerosis, tumors, Bell palsy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and pituitary disorders...

Postpartum cerebral angiopathy (PPCA) is a rare form of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A 39-year-old female presented with a 5×6 cm left frontal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and following an emergent neurosurgical evacuation of ICH, she developed a contralateral ICH and intraventricular hemorrhage. Her postoperative course was highlighted by the finding of diffuse bilateral segmental vasospasm on angiography and trans-cranial Doppler, left anterior cerebral artery region infarct and intractable elevated intracranial pressure (ICP)...