Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Study and management proposal

Abstract

Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome is a group of clinical-radiological alterations that are characterized by severe headaches of sudden onset and reversible multifocal narrowing of the cerebral arteries. Most patients do not present with focal neurological deficit, although it can be seen in a small group being associated with cerebral edema, stroke or seizures. It is considered a benign process that in a few cases causes disability and death in a minority of patients.

The term reversible vasoconstriction syndrome has been proposed to unify a variety of similar clinical syndromes, but of different etiology and have originated various eponyms.

The apparent low frequency of reversible vasoconstriction syndrome and its presentation makes it a diagnostic challenge in the emergency services and may go unnoticed when there is not an adequate medical history.