🧠 Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
UseUse to recognize PRES from the clinical-imaging pattern and to direct trigger removal, blood-pressure control…
SourceFugate JE, Rabinstein AA. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Lancet Neurol 2015.
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Blood pressure should be lowered gradually ([pending update] MAP initially), since precipitous drops risk watershed ischemia (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim).
When to use
Use to recognize PRES from the clinical-imaging pattern and to direct trigger removal, blood-pressure control, and seizure management.
How it works
Clinical (≥ 2 of headache/seizure/visual disturbance/altered consciousness, often with BP surge) + parieto-occipital bilateral vasogenic edema on MRI; management: remove trigger, control BP (lower MAP [pending update] initially), control seizures.
Key points
- Blood pressure should be lowered gradually ([pending update] MAP initially), since precipitous drops risk watershed ischemia (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim).
- Common triggers include hypertensive emergency, eclampsia, and calcineurin-inhibitor/cytotoxic drugs — removing them is central.
- Most cases reverse over days to weeks, but a minority develop hemorrhage or irreversible infarction, so repeat imaging when course is atypical.
References
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Clinical presentation | ≥ 2 of acute headache/seizure/visual disturbance/altered consciousness (often with acute BP surge) |
|---|---|
| MRI | Predominantly parieto-occipital bilateral vasogenic edema (T2/FLAIR hyperintensity) |
| Trigger | Immunosuppressants/cytotoxics (tacrolimus/cyclosporine/chemotherapy) |
→PRESStrongly suggests PRES
- Supporting points:2/2 (clinical syndrome + typical MRI)
- Core management:① Remove/treat the trigger; ② control blood pressure; ③ control seizures. Most are reversible over days to weeks
- Trigger management:Stop/reduce the offending immunosuppressant or cytotoxic, switch agents if needed
| Clinical presentation | < 2 |
|---|---|
| MRI | No typical findings/not examined |
| Trigger | Not yet clear |
→PRESNot supported, consider other diagnoses
- Supporting points:0/2 (clinical syndrome + typical MRI)
- Core management:① Remove/treat the trigger; ② control blood pressure; ③ control seizures. Most are reversible over days to weeks
- Trigger management:Actively seek and remove triggers (blood pressure, drugs, renal function, autoimmune)
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- Does Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Clinical presentation ≥ 2 of acute headache/seizure/visual disturbance/altered consciousness (often with acute BP surge), MRI Predominantly parieto-occipital bilateral vasogenic edema (T2/FLAIR hyperintensity), Trigger Immunosuppressants/cytotoxics (tacrolimus/cyclosporine/chemotherapy) → Result: PRES Strongly suggests PRES(Supporting points: 2/2 (clinical syndrome + typical MRI), Core management: ① Remove/treat the trigger; ② control blood pressure; ③ control seizures. Most are reversible over days to weeks, Trigger management: Stop/reduce the offending immunosuppressant or cytotoxic, switch agents if needed) Inputs: Clinical presentation < 2, MRI No typical findings/not examined, Trigger Not yet clear → Result: PRES Not supported, consider other diagnoses(Supporting points: 0/2 (clinical syndrome + typical MRI), Core management: ① Remove/treat the trigger; ② control blood pressure; ③ control seizures. Most are reversible over days to weeks, Trigger management: Actively seek and remove triggers (blood pressure, drugs, renal function, autoimmune))