Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Angiographic Findings in Severe Preeclampsia

Objective: The purpose of our study was to investigate the cerebral pathophysiology of severe preeclampsia using the noninvasive method of magnetic resonance angiography. Study design: We studied cerebral magnetic resonance angiography findings in 9 severely preeclamptic patients. Results: Magnetic resonance angiographies were abnormal on first scanning within 48 h postpartum, followed by normal findings on repeat scanning during the 1 st postpartum month in 6 patients. The most common abnormality was vascular narrowing of anterior cerebral artery and basilar artery. Three of these 6 patients complained of headaches and/or visual disturbances. Conclusion: This study shows that cerebral artery vasospasm is seen in some severe preeclamptic patients.