Linguistic History of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Mirror of Developing Knowledge
Zeev V. Maizlin MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorHournaz Ghandehari MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorLeonid Maizels BSc
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJason R. Shewchuk MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJohn M. Kirby MB, BCh, BAO
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorParag Vora MBBS
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJason J. Clement MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorZeev V. Maizlin MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorHournaz Ghandehari MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorLeonid Maizels BSc
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJason R. Shewchuk MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJohn M. Kirby MB, BCh, BAO
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorParag Vora MBBS
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJason J. Clement MD
From the Department of Radiology, McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (ZVM, HG, JMK, PV); Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (LM); Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia (JRS); and Department of Radiology, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (JJC).
Search for more papers by this authorJ Neuroimaging 2011;21:1-4.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
The term posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was first proposed in 2000. Since then, the acronym PRES has become very popular in imaging and clinical literature as it is short, easy to say and remember, and neatly couples the frequent localization of neuroimaging findings along with the typical outcome of this syndrome. Another possible reason for the popularity of this acronym in clinical circles is the connotation of PRES with (elevated blood) PRESsure, as a majority of cases are believed to be associated with hypertension. However, problems exist with the interpretation and common understanding of PRES, questioning the appropriateness of “P” and “R” in the acronym. The linguistic issues related to the acronym of PRES are interesting.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this work is to analyze the controversies related to the acronym of PRES.
RESULTS
In 2006, modifying the meaning of the acronym was suggested, renaming it Potentially Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in order to adjust to the cases when posterior involvement is not prominent and emphasize that the reversibility is not spontaneous. This meant the creation of a backronym, where the new phrase is constructed by starting with an existing acronym.
CONCLUSION
This new backronym indicates that the original acronym of PRES has become a misnomer.
References
- 1 Casey S, Sampaio RC, Michel E, et al. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: utility of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MR imaging in the detection of cortical and subcortical lesions. Am J Neuroradiol 2000; 21: 1199-1206.
- 2 Covarrubias DJ, Luetmer PH, Campeau NG. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: prognostic utility of quantitative diffusion-weighted MR images. Am J Neuroradiol 2002; 23: 1038-1048.
- 3 Narbone MC, Musolino R, Granata F, et al. PRES: posterior or potentially reversible encephalopathy syndrome? Neurol Sci 2006; 27: 187-189.
- 4 Antunes NL, Small TN, George D, et al. Posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome may not be reversible. Pediatr Neurol 1999; 20: 241-243.
- 5 Servillo G, Striano P, Striano S, et al. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in critically obstetric patients. Intensive Care Med 2003; 29: 2323-2326.
- 6 Bartynski WS. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, part 1: fundamental imaging and clinical features. Am J Neuroradiol 2008; 29: 1036-1042.
- 7 Bartynski WS, Zeigler Z, Spearman MP, et al. Etiology of cortical and white matter lesions in cyclosporin-A and FK-506 neurotoxicity. Am J Neuroradiol 2001; 22: 1901-1914.
- 8 Sibai BM. Eclampsia. VI. Maternal-perinatal outcome in 254 consecutive cases. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990; 163: 1049-1054.
- 9 Bartynski WS, Boardman JF. Distinct imaging patterns and lesion distribution in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2007; 28: 1320-1327.
- 10 Bartynski WS. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, part 2: controversies surrounding pathophysiology of vasogenic edema. Am J Neuroradiol 2008; 29: 1043-1049.
- 11 Bartynski WS, Boardman JF, Zeigler ZR, et al. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in infection, sepsis, and shock. Am J Neuroradiol 2006; 27: 2179-2190.
- 12 Kupferschmidt H, Bont A, Schnorf H, et al. Transient cortical blindness and bioccipital brain lesions in two patients with acute intermittent porphyria. Ann Intern Med 1995; 15: 598-600.
- 13 Hodson AK, Doughty RA, Norman ME. Acute encephalopathy, streptococcal infection, and cryoglobulinemia. Arch Neurol 1978; 35: 43-44.
- 14 McKinney AM, Short J, Truwit CL, et al. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: incidence of atypical regions of involvement and imaging findings. Am J Roentgenol 2007; 189: 904-912.
- 15 Hinchey J, Chaves C, Appignani B, et al. A reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. N Engl J Med 1996; 334: 494-500.
- 16 Mukherjee P, McKinstry RC. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: evaluation with diffusion-tensor imaging. Radiology 2001; 219: 756-765.
- 17 Kwon S, Koo J, Lee S. Clinical spectrum of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. Pediatr Neurol 2001; 24: 361-364.
- 18 Bartynski WS, Boardman JF. Catheter angiography, MR angiography and MR perfusion in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Am J Neuroradiol 2008; 29: 447-455.
- 19 Reece DE, Frei-Lahr DA, Shepherd JD, et al. Neurologic complications in allogeneic bone marrow transplant patients receiving cyclosporin. Bone Marrow Transplant 1991; 8: 393-401.
- 20 Jarosz JM, Howlett DC, Cox TC, et al. Cyclosporine-related reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy: MRI. Neuroradiology 1997; 39: 711-715.
- 21 Casey SO, Truwit CL. Pontine reversible edema: a newly recognized imaging variant of hypertensive encephalopathy? Am J Neuroradiol 2000; 21: 243-245.
- 22 de Seze J, Mastain B, Stojkovic T, et al. Unusual MR findings of the brain stem in arterial hypertension. Am J Neuroradiol 2000; 21: 391-394.
- 23 Chang GY, Keane JR. Hypertensive brainstem encephalopathy: three cases presenting with severe brainstem edema. Neurology 1999; 53: 652-654.
- 24 Provenzale JM, Petrella JR, Cruz LC Jr, et al. Quantitative assessment of diffusion abnormalities in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Am J Neuroradiol 2001; 22: 1455-1461.
- 25 Schwartz RB. Hyperperfusion encephalopathies: hypertensive encephalopathy and related conditions. Neurologist 2002; 8: 22-34.
- 26 Schaefer PW, Buonanno FS, Gonzalez RG, et al. Diffusion-weighted imaging discriminates between cytotoxic and vasogenic edema in a patient with eclampsia. Stroke 1997; 28: 1082-1085.
- 27 Casey S. “T2 washout”: an explanation for normal diffusion-weighted images despite abnormal apparent diffusion coefficient maps. Am J Neuroradiol 2001; 22: 1450-1455.
- 28 Edvinson L, Owman C, Sjoberg NO. Autonomic nerves, mast cells, and amine receptors in human brain vessels: a histochemical and pharmacological study. Brain Res 1976; 115: 337-393.
- 29 Schwartz RB, Jones KM, Kalina P, et al. Hypertensive encephalopathy: findings on CT, MR imaging and SPECT imaging in 14 cases. AJR 1992; 159: 379-383.
- 30 Schwartz RB, Feske SK, Polak JF, et al. Preeclampsia-eclampsia: clinical and neuroradiographic correlates and insights into the pathogenesis of hypertensive encephalopathy. Radiology 2000; 217: 371-376.
- 31 Dillon W, Rowley H. The reversible posterior cerebral edema syndrome. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1998; 19: 591.
- 32 Ahn KJ, You WJ, Jeong SL, et al. Atypical manifestations of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: findings on diffusion imaging and ADC mapping. Neuroradiology 2004; 46: 978-983.
- 33 Lamy C, Oppenheim C, Meder JF, et al. Neuroimaging in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. J Neuroimaging 2004; 14: 89-96.
- 34 Beausang-Linder M, Bill A. Cerebral circulation in acute arterial hypertension-protective effects of sympathetic nervous activity. Acta Physiol Scand 1981; 111: 193-199.
- 35 Sundt TM Jr. The cerebral autonomic nervous system: a proposed physiologic function and pathophysiologic response in subarachnoid hemorrhage and in focal cerebral ischemia. Mayo Clin Proc 1973; 48: 127-137.
- 36 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misnomer.
- 37 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backronym.
- 38 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudo-acronym.
Citing Literature
