Diagnostic Value of Thunderclap Headache and Convexal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage for Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Case Report

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2022 Jan 20

PMID 35047253

Authors

Ricardo D Otiniano-Sifuentes

Laura Zelada-Rios

Jorge Ramirez-Quinones

Carlos Abanto

Maria Novoa

Pilar Calle La Rosa

Nestor Flores

Lourdes Simbron-Ribbeck

Ana Valencia

Danny Barrientos-Iman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is an underdiagnosed cause of convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage, characterized by thunderclap headache associated with focal and segmental intracranial vasoconstriction. It can appear complications such as intracerebral hemorrhage, seizures, posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy, or ischemic stroke. Our objective is to present the case of a 51-year-old woman with an RCVS diagnosis, who had a normal digital subtraction angiography at the illness onset. We highlight the high diagnostic value of thunderclap headache and convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage. We also highlight the importance of repeating the angiographic studies in the second week when there is strong diagnostic suspicion.

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