Case of the Month #41 Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)

Published 20/07/2023

What is Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)?

  • PRES is a clinico-radiological syndrome initially described in 1996 [2]. It is being increasingly recognised due to advanced imaging techniques [3]. 

  • It affects all ages, with a mean age of 45 years.  Women are affected more often than men [4]. 

  • There is a vast range of clinical features. The most common are: 

    • Hypertension (up to 80%) 
    • Seizures 70% 
    • Headache 50% 
    • Visual disturbance 35% 
    • Focal neurology 10% [1]