Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in Cerebral Malaria

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) shows:

(1) acute, recurrent headache

(2) reversible narrowing of multiple cerebral arteries due to transient vasospasm (with a "string of beads" appearance on brain imaging studies)

(3) a small percentage of patients may have progressive vasoconstriction

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is:

(1) associated with reversible vasogenic edema, predominantly in the posterior circulation

(2) may be a complication of RCVS

(3) may be complicated by cerebral infarction or hemorrhage

(4) may be associated with an increase in brain volume with increased intracranial pressure