Autonomic dysreflexia-induced reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in patients with spinal cord injury: two case reports.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

To report two cases of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit, Pusan National University Hospital, Yangsan-si, Korea.

RESULTS

Two men with spastic tetraplegia developed autonomic dysreflexia. Use of antihypertensive medication and Foley catheter insertion prevented further episodes of acute arterial hypertension and development of new symptoms.

CONCLUSION

RPLS can occur in the setting of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with traumatic cervical cord injury. The prompt recognition of this syndrome is of importance to prevent further morbidity and mortality in patients with spinal cord injury.