Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS)

Typical symptoms include headache, encephalopathy, seizures, and visual changes.

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) was first described as a distinct entity in a 15-case report in 1996 (N Engl J Med 1996; 334:494). RPLS can be triggered by a variety of predisposing conditions, and typical symptoms include headache, encephalopathy, seizures, and visual changes.

Now, in the largest case series to date, Mayo Clinic researchers describe 38 episodes in 36 patients who were seen between 1999 and 2006. Presumed etiologies included hypertension that was usually severe (26 cases), eclampsia (4 cases), use of calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus (4 cases), and miscellaneous causes (4 cases). Nearly half the patients had renal disease, and a quarter had undergone bone marrow or solid orga…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose