Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Acute Pancreatitis: A Rare Complication

A bstract Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiological entity characterized by headache, seizures, altered mental status, and visual disturbances, typically associated with hypertension or endothelial dysfunction. Although commonly linked with conditions such as eclampsia, sepsis, and renal failure, its occurrence in acute pancreatitis is rare. We report the case of a 36-year-old male presenting with acute pancreatitis who subsequently developed PRES during hospitalization. On the second day of admission, he developed sudden bilateral vision loss, headache, and a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. Neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging of the brain) revealed characteristic bilateral parieto-occipital T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensities, confirming PRES. The patient was managed conservatively with supportive care and showed complete recovery without neurological deficits. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing PRES as a rare neurological complication of acute pancreatitis, even in the absence of severe hypertension, and emphasizes early diagnosis for favorable outcomes.