Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome with Postoperative Hematoma After C4-C6 Spinal Fusion: A Case Report.

CASE: A 71-year-old woman with a 2-year history of spondylosis and radiculopathy presented with progressively worsening cervical spine pain and neurological dysfunction for 2 years. The patient developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) after postoperative hematoma in the retroesophageal and retropharyngeal areas. This occurred status post anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) of C4-C6. One year postoperatively, the patient recovered with full ambulation, neurological improvement, and resolution of all PRES signs and symptoms.

CONCLUSION: We present a case of a previously undescribed outcome of PRES as a complication of ACDF likely related to postoperative hypertension and fragile blood vessels.