Retrospective analysis of 80 patients diagnosed with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Background and purpose

Up to 80% of patients diagnosed with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) experience complications such as ischaemic stroke, intracerebral or subarachnoid haemorrhage or posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. The aim was to evaluate the incidence of complications in patients diagnosed with RCVS in our clinic.

Patients and methods

All adult patients (age >16 years) diagnosed with RCVS at the Helsinki University Central Hospital during the period between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022 were retrospectively identified. Medical and follow-up data were collected from medical records.

Results

Eighty patients diagnosed with RCVS were identified, of whom four patients had parenchymal lesions such as ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, posterior cerebral encephalopathy syndrome, subarachnoid haemorrhage or combinations thereof.

Conclusion

The complication rate of RCVS is lower than in previously published cohorts. This may be related to better and earlier diagnostics and earlier withdrawal of possible triggers.