Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome and Female Sex: A Narrative Review.
Sarah E NelsonPublished in: Stroke (2024)
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) refers to segmental, multifocal constriction of intracranial arteries along with acute headache and resolves within weeks. It occurs more commonly in women, and 1 well-known manifestation of RCVS is postpartum angiopathy. Furthermore, the female sex is included in scoring systems designed to assist with diagnosing RCVS. Nonetheless, the literature is mixed regarding the true role of female and pregnancy-related factors in the pathophysiology of RCVS, and it is similarly unclear whether management of this disorder differs by sex. Given the association of RCVS with female sex and the importance of highlighting, recognizing, and managing stroke etiologies in women, herein, the author reviews what is currently known and unknown about the topic of RCVS in women.
Keyphrases
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- pregnancy outcomes
- subarachnoid hemorrhage
- systematic review
- cervical cancer screening
- atrial fibrillation
- case report
- liver failure
- breast cancer risk
- pregnant women
- randomized controlled trial
- insulin resistance
- type diabetes
- neuropathic pain
- spinal cord
- skeletal muscle
- blood flow
- blood brain barrier