Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children: radiological and clinical findings - a retrospective analysis of a German tertiary care center

Purpose: To report the radiological and clinical spectrum of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in children in a German tertiary referral center.

Methods: The radiological report data bases of the authors' university hospitals were searched for paediatric patients with PRES. Clinical and paraclinical data as well as various imaging features at symptom onset and during follow-up were tabulated in patients fulfilling the criteria for PRES.

Results: A total of 18 paediatric patients with PRES were included into the study. Mean age was 9 years (IQR 7-12), 38.9% were females. Most frequent predisposing causes were renal and haemato-oncologic diseases frequently associated with endotheliotoxic cytostatic medication. Frontal lesions occurred as frequently as parietal lesions followed by occipital lesions. The superior frontal sulcus topographic lesion pattern occurred as frequent as the parieto-occipital one. In 38% of cases residual lesions were encountered with focal laminar necroses being most frequent. Initial clinical syndromes associated with PRES included seizures in 18, altered mental state in 5, and hemiparesis and visual disturbances in 2 children. Mean arterial blood pressure at onset of PRES was 140/85 mmHg (IQR systolic: 124-169, diastolic: 78-93 mmHg).

Conclusion: Paediatric PRES in this cohort comprises a broad radiological and clinical spectrum. The occurrence of frontal lesions, a superior frontal sulcus associated lesion pattern, and the development of focal laminar necrosis appear to be frequent in children.