Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)

Abstract

RCVS comprise a group of disorders characterized by prolonged but reversible vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries, usually associated with acute–onset, severe, recurrent headaches, with or without additional neurologic symptoms and signs. Recurrent thunderclap headaches, seizures, transient ischemic attacks, brain infarctions, brain hemorrhages and non–aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages can all reveal RCVS.

Stroke can occur a few days after initial normal imaging, and cerebral vasoconstriction is at a maximum on angiograms 2–3 weeks after clinical onset. Segmental constrictions of cerebral arteries resolve within 3 months. RCVS is supposedly due to a transient disturbance in the control of cerebrovascular tone.