Cortical blindness secondary to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, recovered by successful blood pressure management

• Main Author: Abalo-Lojo,José Manuel
• Publication Date: 2017
• Other Authors: Baleato-González,Sandra, Gonzalez,Francisco
• Format: Report
• Language: eng
• Source: Arquivos brasileiros de oftalmologia (Online)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-27492017000500013
• topic: Blindness; Hypertensive encephalopathy; Hypertension; Posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome; Humans; Case reports

ABSTRACT We report a case of cortical blindness secondary to posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, which was successfully treated by blood pressure management. A 66-year-old white man presented at the emergency room complaining of severe frontal headache, disorientation, and progressive blurred vision. The initial physical examination disclosed a blood pressure of 200/176 mmHg. One hour later the patient exhibited mental confusion and bilateral blindness. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, and a systemic workup was conducted, resulting in a diagnosis of posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. This syndrome is a rare manifestation of systemic hypertension that requires proper diagnosis and management to avoid irreversible brain damage. Early recognition of this condition and prompt control of the patient’s blood pressure are essential because they may bring about a reversal of the syndrome, which may otherwise result in permanent brain damage.