A systematic review of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia

Background The association of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and severe preeclampsia/eclampsia has been established but the frequency is uncertain. Objectives To determine the frequency of PRES in severe preeclampsia or eclampsia. Methods We searched published articles in PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and CINAHL from 1990 to 2020. We included articles that reported on six or more cases of PRES with eclampsia or severe preeclampsia who underwent neuroimaging during pregnancy or up to 6 weeks postpartum. Results We identified 29 studies presenting data on 1519 women with eclampsia or severe preeclampsia. Among 342 women with eclampsia who had neuroimaging, 176 (51.4%) were diagnosed with PRES. Of 121 women with severe preeclampsia, 24 (19.8%) had PRES. The pooled maternal death rate was 5.3% (21/395). Conclusion PRES is commonly reported on neuroimaging of women with eclampsia/ severe preeclampsia. The role of neuroimaging in eclampsia and especially in women with severe preeclampsia requires re-evaluation as further management is often dictated by this finding.

Automated summary

The frequency of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in severe preeclampsia or eclampsia was investigated. Neuroimaging commonly revealed PRES in women with eclampsia/severe preeclampsia, suggesting the need for re-evaluation of the role of neuroimaging in these conditions.