Parainfluenza virus infection associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A case report

Owolabi Ogunneye, Jaime A. Hernandez-Montfort, Yetunde Ogunneye, Iheanyichukwu Ogu, Daniel Landry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinical and radiological entity. The most accepted theory of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a loss of autoregulation in cerebral blood flow with a subsequent increase in vascular permeability and leakage of blood plasma and erythrocytes, producing vasogenic edema. In infection-associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a clinical pattern consistent with systemic inflammatory response syndrome develops. Parainfluenza virus has not been reported in the medical literature to be associated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Case presentation. We report herein the case of a 54-year-old Caucasian woman with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with parainfluenza virus infection who presented with generalized headache, blurring of vision, new-onset seizure and flu-like symptoms. Conclusion: Infection-associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as well as hypertension-associated posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome favor the contribution of endothelial dysfunction to the pathophysiology of this clinicoradiological syndrome. In view of the reversible nature of this clinical entity, it is important that all physicians are well aware of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in patients presenting with headache and seizure activity. A detailed clinical assessment leading to the recognition of precipitant factors in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is paramount.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number89
JournalJournal of Medical Case Reports
Volume6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • hypertension
  • parainfluenza virus
  • posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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