Postpartal cerebral angiopathy: MRI findings in a rare form of gestational complication

Background: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are gestational complications, occurring in the last trimenon. They comprise hypertension, edema and proteinuria (pre-eclampsia) as well as neurological symptoms (eclampsia). After termination of pregnancy, the symptoms usually subside. However, rarely may typical neurological signs of eclampsia develop more than 1 week after delivery. This disorder, called postpartal cerebral angiopathy, also seems to be a gestosis. Because medical treatment may prevent the development of cerebral necroses, an early diagnosis is mandatory. Case Reports: We report imaging findings in two patients with postpartal cerebral angiopathy, one without previous signs of a gestosis. © Urban and Vogel