Long-Term Outcomes After Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

Stroke. 2020 Feb;51(2):670-673. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.027703. Epub 2019 Dec 17.

Abstract

Background and Purpose- We aimed to further investigate the long-term outcomes after reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Methods- A longitudinal follow-up study was conducted in 173 RCVS patients. Results- Of the 172 patients who completed a mean follow-up of 9.2±3.3 years, 10 had a recurrent RCVS that was benign in all. Independent predictors of relapse were having a history of migraine and having exercise as a trigger for thunderclap headache during initial RCVS. After new delivery, the rate of postpartum RCVS was 9%. Conclusions- Overall, long-term outcome after RCVS is excellent.

Keywords: cerebral arteries; headache; pregnancy; recurrence; vasoconstriction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / complications
  • Headache Disorders, Primary / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Time
  • Vasoconstriction / physiology*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / drug therapy