Abnormal cerebral hemodynamics in pregnancy-related hypertensive encephalopathy.

Abstract

A patient with an imminent pregnancy-related hypertensive encephalopathy is presented in whom transcranial Doppler ultrasound studies revealed increased middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities before and up to 7 days after cesarean section. These increased velocities are normally caused by cerebral vasospasm and subsequent hypoperfusion in pregnancy-related hypertensive encephalopathy. Additional duplex volume flow studies of the common carotid artery were in favor of cerebral hyperperfusion as a cause of the increased blood flow velocities. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

• Authors: J H Vliegen, E Muskens, R W Keunen, S J Smith, W H Godfried, G Gerretsen
• Journal: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology (Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol) Vol. 49 Issue 3 Pg. 198-200 (May 1993) ISSN: 0301-2115 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 8405635 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Brain Diseases (etiology, physiopathology)
• Cerebrovascular Circulation (physiology)
• Female
• Hemodynamics (physiology)
• Humans
• Hypertension (etiology, physiopathology)
• Pre-Eclampsia (complications, diagnostic imaging, physiopathology)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular (physiopathology)
• Ultrasonography