POSTERIOR REVERSIBLE LEUKOENCEPHALOPATHY (PRES) IN ACUTE INTERMITTENT PORPHYRIA (AIP): A RARE NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATION

Abstract

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is now being increasingly documented in clinical practice because of increased use of DWI in MRI. PRES is seen in various systemic illnesses, eclampsia and has been well documented. It has specific imaging features on MRI which lead to diagnose this condition and to differentiate it from acute stroke as both entities are managed differently. 1

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is one of the porphyrias which results in excessive secretion of porphyrins and porphyrin precursors in urine involving defects in hememetabolism. The presenting complaints range from abdominal pain, constipation and neuropathies. Here we present a case of young male with AIP who was found to have typical PRES findings on MRI.

Keywords: PRES, AIP, DW I