scholarly journals Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome during caesarean section

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. e230606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szilard Laszlo Safran ◽  
Christian Balmer ◽  
Georges Savoldelli
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Spinal Anaesthesia ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome ◽  
Cerebral Vasoconstriction ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Arterial Tone

We describe the case of a 25-year-old parturient who presented sudden onset and short-lived severe headache caused by reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) during an emergency caesarean section. The syndrome was triggered by phenylephrine administered intravenously to correct arterial hypotension following spinal anaesthesia. RCVS is a clinical and radiological syndrome attributed to transient disturbance in the control of cerebral arterial tone resulting in vasospasms. The syndrome can be precipitated by several triggers, including vasoactive drugs, often used during spinal anaesthesia, illicit drugs, pregnancy and postpartum state. Diagnosis and management can be challenging during pregnancy, peripartum or post partum, since many medications commonly used during these periods must be avoided to prevent triggering RCVS. The aim of this report is to raise the awareness, particularly for anaesthesiologists and obstetricians, of this rare and potentially serious syndrome. We discuss diagnosis, triggers, pathogenesis, clinical course and complications, as well as coordinated multidisciplinary management plans.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned from a Fulminant Case of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: Past Medical History Misleads the Diagnosis and Intra-Arterial Milrinone Offers Diagnostic Utility

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82
Author(s):  
Paul J Alapatt ◽  
Ajay Panwar ◽  
Gigy Varkey Kuruttukulam ◽  
Kaushik Sundar
Keyword(s):  
Post Partum ◽  
Cerebral Arteries ◽  
Pulse Therapy ◽  
Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome ◽  
Diagnostic Utility ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Cerebral Vasoconstriction ◽  
Seizure Episode

A 34-year-old post-partum female having dermatomyositis developed headache and became comatose after a seizure episode. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed a massive left ganglio-capsular bleed for which decompressive surgery was done. Computed tomographic angiography showed multiple foci of narrowing and irregularities in distal cerebral vessels. In view of dermatomyositis, the diagnosis of vasculitis was considered and pulse therapy of intravenous methylprednisolone was started. The patient, however, showed no improvement and developed new brain infarcts. She was subsequently taken up for a diagnostic cerebral angiography which showed multifocal severe narrowing in bilateral major cerebral arteries. These angiographic abnormalities showed excellent reversibility to intra-arterial milrinone and hence, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) was diagnosed. Normal angiographic findings in the first week do not rule out the disease and a repeat angiography should be considered if the clinical suspicion of the RCVS is high. Intra-arterial milrinone has a high diagnostic utility.

Isoflavones and gastrointestinal infection: Two potential triggers for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Cephalalgia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 984-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Machner ◽  
Tobias Boppel ◽  
Thomas Münte
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Cerebral Arteries ◽  
Thunderclap Headache ◽  
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome ◽  
Gastrointestinal Infection ◽  
Cerebral Vasoconstriction ◽  
Vasoactive Substances ◽  
Important Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Estrogenic Potential

Background Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is an important differential diagnosis of singular or recurrent thunderclap headache. Prognosis is generally good, however complications of the transient segmental vasospasms of cerebral arteries such as stroke, subarachnoidal hemorrhage and brain edema may worsen the clinical outcome. Although the exact pathomechanism is still unclear, various vasoactive substances and conditions (e.g. post partum) have been identified as triggering RCVS. Cases We report on the clinical course and management of two cases of typical RCVS that were associated with two different precipitants previously not described: A gastrointestinal infection and isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens used for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Discussion In the case of gastrointestinal infection, either systemic inflammatory processes might lead to disturbances of vascular tone, or the repetitive vomiting that resembles Valsalva manoeuvers known to trigger RCVS. In the case of isoflavone intake, it may be their estrogenic potential that induces dysregulation of cerebral arteries, a mechanism known from other states of hormonal change such as post-partum angiopathy. However, the association of both precipitating factors with RCVS in our two cases is not a proof for a causal relationship, and there may have been additional potential triggers for RCVS. Conclusion In patients with (gastrointestinal) infection and concomitant thunderclap headache, RCVS should be considered as an important differential diagnosis due to its major complications. Since RCVS may be triggered by various vasoactive substances, taking the medical history should always include over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements (such as the isoflavones) beside the regular medication.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome with Posterior Leucoencephalopathy after Oral Contraceptive Pills

Cephalalgia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Soo ◽  
AB Singhal ◽  
T Leung ◽  
S Yu ◽  
H Mak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Contraceptive ◽  
Cerebral Arteries ◽  
Haemorrhagic Stroke ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pills ◽  
Cerebral Vasoconstriction ◽  
Contraceptive Pills

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset recurrent ‘thunderclap’ headaches with reversible multifocal narrowing of the cerebral arteries, often associated with focal neurological deficits from ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. It has been associated with exposure to vasoconstrictive drugs, pregnancy, migraine, and a variety of other conditions. Whereas the pathophysiology of RCVS remains unclear, changes in the levels of female hormones are considered important because RCVS predominantly affects women and is frequently associated with pregnancy. We report a patient with angiographically confirmed RCVS whose MRI showed reversible brain oedema, suggesting an overlap between RCVS and the reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome. The only identified risk factor was oral contraceptive pills started 1 month prior to onset, supporting a role for female reproductive hormones in precipitating this overlap syndrome.

scholarly journals Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Associated with Infundibular Dilation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Montenegro-Rosales ◽  
Blanca Karina González-Alonso ◽  
Omar Cárdenas-Sáenz ◽  
Alonso Gutierrez-Romero
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Arteries ◽  
Imaging Study ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Severe Headache ◽  
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome ◽  
Initial Image ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Cerebral Vasoconstriction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Visual Disturbances

Background: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is defined as a clinical and radiological syndrome that comprises a group of disorders characterized by sudden-onset severe headache and segmental vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries with resolution within 3 months. Case presentation: A 51-year-old female patient with a 2-week history of sudden-onset severe headache, visual disturbances and cerebellum; no relevant imaging findings, except for an infundibular dilation at the origin of the posterior communicating artery, and so, angiography was performed. When symptoms persisted, a new imaging study was carried out with findings of RCVS as the cause of the symptoms from the beginning. Conclusions: Findings of RCVS can be obtained in various vasculopathies of the nervous system and vasculitis, being misdiagnosed, and so, clinical suspicion is essential; if vasoconstriction is not demonstrated on the initial image and other diagnoses have been excluded, the patient should be managed as having possible or probable RCVS.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome developing after an erenumab injection for migraine prevention

Cephalalgia ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 033310242110372
Author(s):  
Todd D Rozen ◽  
Alok A Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide ◽  
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome ◽  
Related Peptide ◽  
Cerebral Vasoconstriction ◽  
Calcitonin Gene ◽  
Preventive Medication ◽  
New Type

Background Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is normally triggered by vasoactive compounds or illicit drugs. A new type of migraine preventive medication blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide utilizing monoclonal antibodies. Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a potent vasodilator for the cerebrovascular system. Could blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide be a trigger for cerebral artery vasospasm in patients susceptible to developing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (migraine patients) or in individuals using vasoactive compounds? We present a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome occurring after calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody treatment. Case report A 43-year -old woman with a history of episodic migraine developed an acute headache with orgasm two days after taking her second injection of erenumab. Ten days after erenumab injection she developed a thunderclap headache while completing a high intensity workout. These new headaches were only left sided. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated mild to moderate areas of narrowing involving the left middle and anterior cerebral arteries, concerning for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. She denied exposure to any known reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome precipitant medication or illicit drugs. She did endorse recent exposure to high altitude prior to erenumab therapy. She was started on verapamil 40 mg three times per day and her headache ceased within 24 h of initiating treatment. A repeat CT angiogram completed 4 weeks after the initial study noted resolution of the areas of vessel stenosis. Conclusion A case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome developing after treatment with a calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody is presented. The timing of the new type of headache occurring 2 days post erenumab injection suggests a possible cause and effect relationship. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome as a possible treatment-related complication to the usage of calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies needs to be studied further.

Massive Pulmonary Embolism In A Postpartum Case of Caesarean Section A Case Report

JMS SKIMS ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-94
Author(s):  
Javid Ahmad Wani ◽  
Irfan Ahmed ◽  
Showkat Ali Mufti
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Supportive Care ◽  
Pulmonary Thromboembolism ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Massive Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Postoperative State

Introduction : The overall incidence of acute pulmonary embolism is 0.004% per year1; among post-partum women, the incidence of venous thromboembolism is approximately 3 to 7 every 10,000 deliveries, which is 15 to 35 times that of females of the same age who are not pregnant2. Venous thromboembolism contributes to 20% of pregnancy-related mortalities. The highest risk is in the puerperium3. Thrombolysis is standard of care in pulmonary thromboembolism with shock and right ventricular hypokinesia4-7, however, immediate postoperative state compels conventional treatment. Patients do well with anticoagulation and proper supportive treatment as illustrated in this case.Case report : We report a case of a 34-year old female who developed sudden onset breathlessness while walking on the 2nd post-operative day of an uneventful caesarean section. She was dyspneic, cyanosed and in hypotension. CXR was normal, ECG showed S1Q3T3 pattern, and d-dimer was raised. CTPArevealed features of pulmonary embolism. Thrombolysis was contemplated but was abandoned in view of recent surgery. She received anticoagulation with Heparin (and later warfarin) and supportive care including intravenous fluids, oxygen and Dopamine and Doubutamine. She improved and was discharged after 10 days on warfarin anticoagulation.Conclusion: Breathlessness in a patient in the post-operative period or pregnancy should lead to the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. PTE with hypotension or RV hypokinesia has a high mortality, merits thrombolysis plus anticoagulation. But patients with contraindication to thrombolysis should receive anticoagulation and standard supportive care. JMS 2016; 19(2):90-94.

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