The reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in association with venlafaxine and methenamine

Abstract

The reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterised by thunderclap headache and multifocal vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries on angiography. It is often drug induced, but it can occur postpartum, and as a result of a number of other precipitants. To make the diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude other causes of severe headache (such as aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, carotid dissection and primary angiitis of the central nervous system). However, it is also important to show that the vasoconstriction has resolved with repeat angiography at the 3-month stage. Here we report two cases of RCVS in association with venlafaxine and the urinary antiseptic, methenamine. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have recently been reported as a possible precipitant, but this is the first report to implicate methenamine. Although RCVS is relatively uncommon, it should be considered in the differential of those presenting with thunderclap headache.