Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Angiographic Findings of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Associated with Postpartum

Abstract

We report 2 cases of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) associated with postpartum. In case 1, a 26-year-old woman developed sudden-onset headache, nausea, and vomiting 1 h after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. In case 2, a 27-year-old woman developed generalized seizures 9 days after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. In both cases, initial angiographic studies showed no significant vasoconstriction; however, repeat studies revealed reversible vasoconstriction. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed transient brain lesions during 6 months. RCVS remains poorly characterized, misdiagnosed, and under-recognized. Serial MRI and magnetic resonance angiographic findings may contribute to diagnosis of RCVS.

Keywords

• postpartum
• magnetic resonance imaging
• magnetic resonance angiography
• reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome