Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological disorder caused by the dysregulation of cerebral perfusion.
We report on a 18-year-old female patient with a history of end-stage renal disease and thrice weekly hemodialysis. She was admitted to the emergency department with mental confusion, blurred vision, headaches, and vomiting, following self-medication with an oral decongestant containing pseudoephedrine. We observed hypointense lesions with T1-weighted MRI and hyperintense areas with T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI sequences. The lack of diffusion restriction was consistent with a diagnosis of PRES. A concomitant
PRES is a life-threatening condition that requires intensive care. Identification of the etiology is the keystone of medical care. Inappropriate self-medication with an oral decongestant might trigger PRES - highlighting the importance of patient education.