precipitants of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Last reviewed 06/2023

precipitants of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

• post partum period
  
  
• vasoactive drugs
• illicit drugs eg, cannabis, cocaine
• antidepressants eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
• sympathomimetics eg, nasal decongestants (phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine), norepinephrine
• binge drinking
  
  
• catecholamine-secreting tumours e.g. Phaeochromocytoma, bronchial carcinoid tumour
  
  
• immunosuppressants or blood products e.g. - intravenous immunoglobulin, red-blood-cell transfusion,interferon alfa
  
  
• Miscellaneous e.g. - hypercalcaemia, porphyria, head trauma, neurosurgery, subdural spinal haematoma, carotid endarterectomy, cerebral venous thrombosis, CSF hypotension

Reference:

• (1) Ducros A. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Lancet Neurol. 2012;11(10):906-17