Chronic Glomerulonephritis and Malignant Hypertension With PRES (Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome) Presenting As Status Epilepticus: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Aug 22;15(8):e43902. doi: 10.7759/cureus.43902. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Hypertension risk is a common complication of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN), which includes focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and proliferative forms of GN such as IgA nephropathy. The clinical-radiological phenomenon known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is frequently linked to renal disorders, particularly chronic kidney disease and hypertension. PRES is an acute clinical condition characterized by multiple neurological symptoms such as seizures, impaired consciousness, headaches, visual abnormalities, nausea, and vomiting. In this case report, we discuss status epilepticus due to PRES in a 20-year-old girl who presented with nephrotic syndrome after renal biopsy chronic GN was confirmed. Repeated neuroimaging performed following proper blood pressure management revealed that the lesions had vanished, supporting the diagnosis of PRES. Presumably, PRES remained for 5-7 days in our case. Nephrologists must be familiar with the atypical characteristics of PRES as it is frequently associated with kidney disease. Prompt identification and care prevent irreparable consequences and pointless investigations.

Keywords: chronic glomerulonephritis; hypertension; nephrotic syndrome; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (pres); status epilepticus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports