[Encephalopathy induced by arterial hypertension: clinical, radiological and therapeutical aspects].

BACKGROUND

Neuroradiological features of hypertensive encephalopathy are not yet well-known.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical manifestations, neuroradiological aspects and treatment of four patients suffering from hypertensive encephalopathy were studied; special attention was paid to manifestations presented by one patient which appeared representative of the usual manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy.

RESULTS

The main clinical features were visual disturbances (n = 4); altered consciousness (n = 2) and seizures (n = 3). Visual disturbances resulted from cortical lesions (n = 4) associated with optic nerve damage and retinopathy (n = 2). Cerebral imaging showed low density images (CT scan) and hypersignal (MRI, T2 sequence) located in parieto-occipital cortical ribbon and adjacent white matter from the first 24 hours following the onset of neurologic symptoms. In the studied patient, the abnormal images resolved within 1 month after the onset of the disease. Unilateral infarction of the anterior visual pathway affected two patients in whom: 1) hypertension remaining undetected for a long time was revealed by neurological signs; 2) visual impairment was preceded by an hypotensive episode induced by antihypertensive therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroradiological features of hypertensive encephalopathy are useful in establishing the diagnosis. A gradual reduction of blood pressure could prevent the risk of visual complications.