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AJNR - American Journal of Neuroradiology

Published ahead of print on March 20, 2008
doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A0928

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American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:1036-1042, June-July 2008
© 2008 American Society of Neuroradiology

Review Article

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome, Part 1: Fundamental Imaging and Clinical Features

W.S. Bartynski^a

^a From the Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa

Please address correspondence to Walter S. Bartynski, MD, Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, University of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, 200 Lothrop St, D 132, Pittsburgh PA 15213; e-mail: bartynskiws{at}upmc.edu

SUMMARY: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic state coupled with a unique CT or MR imaging appearance. Recognized in the setting of a number of complex conditions (preeclampsia/eclampsia, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, organ transplantation, autoimmune disease and high dose chemotherapy) the imaging, clinical and laboratory features of this toxic state are becoming better elucidated. This review summarizes the basic and advanced imaging features of PRES, along with pertinent features of the clinical and laboratory presentation and available histopathology. Many common imaging/clinical/laboratory observations are present among these patients, despite the perception of widely different associated clinical conditions.