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Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: a Comprehensive Update

Current Pain and Headache Reports volume 18, Article number: 443 (2014) Cite this article

Abstract

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a clinico-radiological syndrome characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache, with or without neurologic symptoms, and reversible vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. RCVS affects patients in various racial and ethnic groups and in all age groups, although most commonly in the fourth decade of life. Many conditions and exposures have been linked to RCVS, including vasoactive drugs and the peripartum period. Disturbance of the cerebral vascular tone is thought to contribute to the disease’s pathophysiology. RCVS generally follows a monophasic course. Associated strokes and cerebral hemorrhages are not uncommon. In this review we will attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of RCVS, with emphasis on the controversies in the field and the newest findings in the reported literature.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Ali Mehdi declares no potential conflicts of interest.

Dr. Rula A. Hajj-Ali received research support from the Fasenmyer Foundation.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Ali Mehdi

  2. Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Rula A. Hajj-Ali

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  1. Ali Mehdi
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Correspondence to Rula A. Hajj-Ali.

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Mehdi, A., Hajj-Ali, R.A. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: a Comprehensive Update. Curr Pain Headache Rep 18, 443 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-014-0443-2

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Keywords

  • Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
  • Call-Fleming syndrome
  • Primary angiitis of the central nervous system
  • Thunderclap headache
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging