Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy, severe hypertension and cocaine abuse

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is a brain disorder chara cterized by headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbance, depressed level of consciousness, convulsions and ocasionally focal neurologic deficits. I t is commonly associated with malignant hypertension, toxemia of pregnancy or the use of immunosuppresive agents. Early diagnosis and specific treatme nt is essential. We report a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopat hy in the context of a hypertensive crisis in an habitual cocaine sniffer. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy must be suspected in every patient with hypertensive crisis and compatible clinic manifestation. Neuroimaging studies show characteristic features which confirm the diagnosis.