Call-Fleming syndrome: headache in a 16-year-old girl.

BACKGROUND

Call-Fleming syndrome, also known as reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, is an important cause of severe headache characterized by segmental constriction of cerebral arteries in multiple vascular distributions. It is commonly described in adults, with a female predominance.

PATIENT: We report a case of a 16-year-old girl with history of anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and migraines on several medications presenting with 2 weeks of worsening headaches.

RESULTS

Cranial computed tomography was normal, but magnetic resonance imaging revealed cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage. Follow-up imaging demonstrated extensive vasoconstriction of small- to medium-sized cerebral arteries. Sertraline and methylphenidate were discontinued, and nifedipine was started. Symptoms rapidly improved, and repeat angiography at 2 months showed no vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSIONS

Call-Fleming syndrome is an important cause of thunderclap headache and should be considered in the pediatric population, especially in the setting of certain medication usage and other known risk factors.