Reversible Cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome associated with the use of sibutramine

The reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, also known as Call-Fleming syndrome, was initially described in 1988, and is characterized by a clinical syndrome of headaches episodes, generally the “thunderclap” pattern, due to a deregulation of the vascular tonus, leading to segmentary cerebral vasoconstriction and secondary neurological deficits, including those by ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. In this paper, we present two illustrative cases of this syndrome due to the use of sibutramine. To our knowledge, this situation hasn’t been described as related drug before.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome with cardiac involvement during treatment for iron deficiency anemia: caser report

Background The diagnosis and therapy of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) tends to focus on neurological symptoms, but less attention has been paid the occurrence of extracerebral lesion such as the myocardium. Case presentation A 40-year-old woman taking iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia due to menorrhagia had suffered from a thunderclap headache and seizure. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed high-intensity lesions bilaterally in the cerebellar and cerebral hemispheres. Her symptoms once subsided with steroids and anticonvulsant therapy; however, she experienced a severe headache again while bathing and was transferred to our hospital. Based on the clinical course and imaging data, she was diagnosed as having RCVS triggered by a rapid improvement of anemia. At the same time, she had cardiac involvement revealed by electro and echocardiographs despite without chest symptoms. After the administration of a calcium channel blocker and nitrite, her cerebral and cardiac involvements were rapidly improved. Conclusions The case presented RCVS with transient myocardial damage. With RCVS, we should always pay attention to the complication of extracerebral lesions.

Hyperintense posterior cerebral artery sign in patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Background: This study investigated hyperintense vessel signs (HVS) on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging in the P1–2 portions of posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) as a “hyperintense PCA sign” and HVS of cortical arteries. We retrospectively examined whether these signs would be useful in diagnosing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in the acute phase. Methods: Eighty patients with RCVS who underwent initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 7 days of onset were included in this study. HVS and related clinical factors were examined. Results: On initial MRI of RCVS patients, hyperintense PCA sign and HVS of cortical arteries were seen in 21 cases (26%) and 38 cases (48%), respectively. In patients showing hyperintense PCA sign, vasoconstriction of the A2–3 portion was a significant clinical factor. Conversely, vasoconstriction of the M1 and P1 portions and the presence of white matter hyperintensity on initial and chronic-stage MRI were significantly associated with the presence of HVS in cortical arteries. Conclusion: Because rich collateral flow exists around PCAs, the frequency of hyperintense PCA sign is not high. However, hyperintense PCA sign findings in patients with suspected RCVS offer credible evidence of extreme flow decreases due to vasoconstriction in peripheral PCAs and other arteries associated with the collateral circulation of PCAs. Conversely, HVS in cortical arteries tend to reflect slow antegrade circulation due to vasoconstriction of peripheral vessel and major trunks. Both signs appear useful for auxiliary diagnosis of acute-phase RCVS.