Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Triggered by Whole-Body Cryotherapy in a Teenager.
Marina Dantas, Kasparas Zilinskas, Christina Shen et al.
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Case in brief
An adolescent developed symptoms of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) after a whole-body cryotherapy session. The case report describes the diagnosis in the setting of this preceding exposure. The abstract does not specify the presenting symptoms, diagnostic findings, treatment, or clinical outcome, so these details cannot be summarized. RCVS is uncommon in children and can be complicated by intracranial bleeding or ischemic stroke, despite usually favorable outcomes.
What made this case unusual
Whole-body cryotherapy preceded RCVS in an adolescent, although it is not an officially recognized trigger and evidence linking it to RCVS is limited to none.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Consider RCVS in children with a compatible presentation, and ask about recent exposures that may be potential triggers; this report raises whole-body cryotherapy as one such possible exposure, not an established cause.
Why it matters
The case draws attention to a possible adverse effect of whole-body cryotherapy, for which the authors note limited evidence on benefits and well-studied side effects.