Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Presenting as Transient Vessel Wall Enhancement on Contrast-Enhanced Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Images: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a clinical and radiological syndrome with primary features that include hyperacute onset of severe headache and segmental vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries, which resolve within 3 months. Vessel wall enhancement has been reported in some cases of RCVS; however, its pathophysiological and diagnostic implications remain unclear. We review a case of RCVS in a patient with transient vessel wall enhancement on contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, focusing on the pathophysiological and diagnostic implications.

Keywords

• vasoconstriction
• cerebrovascular disease
• magnetic resonance imaging
• brain
• headache