[Benign angiopathy of the puerperium: a clinicoradiological case associated with ingestion of bromocriptine]

Rev Med Interne. 1996;17(10):839-41. doi: 10.1016/0248-8663(96)82688-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report a case of benign cerebral angiopathy in a 37 year-old woman in the postpartum period occurring after bromocriptine therapy to suppress lactation. She presented with severe headache, hyperthermia and bradycardia. She had partial seizure. Angiography excluded cortical vein thrombosis but revealed multiple narrowing of intracerebral arteries. Bromocriptine was stopped. The patient totally recovered. A second angiography performed 3 months later was normal. Postpartum cerebral angiopathy is considered as rare but the prevalence is probably underestimated. Neurological features of this affection are multiple. Diagnosis is made by angiography performed in emergency and which showed narrowing of intracerebral arteries which are reversible. Prognosis is good. Reversible vasoconstriction may be due to acute arterial hypertension, sometimes triggered by ergot derivatives.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hormone Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / chemically induced*
  • Pregnancy
  • Puerperal Disorders / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Hormone Antagonists
  • Bromocriptine