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Semin Thromb Hemost 2001; 27(2): 131-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14071
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Vasospasms Are Characteristic in Cases with Eclampsia/Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome: Proposal of an Angiospastic Syndrome of Pregnancy

Takao Kobayashi1 , Naoki Tokunaga1 , Haruo Isoda2 , Naohiro Kanayama1 , Toshihiko Terao1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, Japan and
  • 2Department of Radiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, Japan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We attempted to prove the occurrence of generalized vasospasms in cases with eclampsia/preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome and to suggest the existence of an angiospastic syndrome of pregnancy. Sixteen cases with severe preeclampsia were evaluated. Among them, three cases were complicated by eclampsia and one case with HELLP syndrome. Cranial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in 15 cases, and celiac angiography was performed in one case. Vasospasms were observed in 12 cases (75.0%), including all cases involving eclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and cerebral infarction was observed in one case. Typical vasospasms were found by MRA in the middle and posterior cerebral arteries with peripheral ischemic changes in cases with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. Vasospasms of the hepatic arteries were observed by celiac angiography in a case with HELLP syndrome. Vasospasms are characteristic for patients with eclampsia/preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, and the existence of an angiospastic syndrome of pregnancy is proposed.

KEYWORD

Preeclampsia - eclampsia - HELLP syndrome - vasospasms - magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

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