Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome characterized by postpartum headache: a case report

VernacularTitle:产后头痛诊断为可逆性脑血管收缩综合征1例
Author: Xiaowen ZHANG ¹ ; Ying ZHOU ; Lina ZHANG ; Fangxin SHI
Author Information

1. 大连医科大学附属第一医院妇产科，大连　116000
Keywords: Headache disorders, primary; Vasospasm, intracranial; Puerperal disorders; Hypertension
From: Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2022;25(3):215-217
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: We report the diagnosis and treatment of a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome characterized by postpartum thunderclap headache. The patient experienced a thunderclap headache on the second day after delivery, which gradually worsened. On postpartum day 4, she presented with sudden convulsion and hypertension on admission on May 19, 2020, and was initially diagnosed with postpartum eclampsia. We confirmed the diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome based on the results of cranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and other examinations and the consultation with neurologists. After antihypertensive and spasmolytic treatment, the patient's blood pressure returned to normal, and she was discharged on postpartum day 8. Reexamination with cranial MRA at 50 + days after delivery indicated that the cerebral vasospasm was relieved. No severe headaches or convulsions were observed during follow-up till June 2021.