Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Challenge for diagnostics and intensive care therapy

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a disease of unclear incidence frequently affecting middle aged women and is usually associated with use of adrenergic or serotoninergic substances. The exclusion of relevant differential diagnoses, such as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, primary cerebral angiitis, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and carotid artery dissection is critical in terms of time and significance. Thunderclap headache as well as multiple and multilocular vasospasms with direct or indirect angiography without substantial findings in cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics are typical symptoms. The necessity for intensive care treatment is often justified by initial acute impairment of vital functions and possible development of cerebral or extracerebral complications. Because the exact pathophysiology remains unknown, a specific therapy does not exist. This poses significant challenges in intensive care medicine, which are illustrated on the basis of the case study presented.