Neuroimaging of delayed eclampsia. Report of 3 cases and review of the literature

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2003 Sep-Oct;27(5):699-713. doi: 10.1097/00004728-200309000-00007.

Abstract

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with eclampsia were recently encountered in 3 patients who developed severe headache days to weeks after uncomplicated delivery. The neurologic presentation was nonspecific, and pre-eclamptic symptoms were not present, including significant hypertension. Variable expression of pre-eclampsia occurred during the course of their observation. Conventional angiography obtained in 2 patients because of a concern for aneurysm demonstrated central and peripheral vasospasm. Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated central vasospasm in the third patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Eclampsia / diagnosis*
  • Eclampsia / epidemiology
  • Eclampsia / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / diagnosis
  • Pre-Eclampsia / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Puerperal Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Puerperal Disorders / epidemiology
  • Puerperal Disorders / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*