Which of the following is a potential cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome?

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological condition characterized by a specific pattern of symptoms, including headaches, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances. The exact mechanisms leading to PRES are not entirely understood, but disordered cerebral autoregulation is a recognized contributor.

In healthy individuals, cerebral autoregulation helps maintain stable blood flow to the brain despite fluctuations in systemic blood pressure. However, conditions that disrupt this balance can lead to excessive blood flow (hyperemia) in the brain, particularly in the posterior regions, causing edema. Such disruption can be seen in cases of severe hypertension, eclampsia, or certain neurotoxic medications, aligning with the understanding that disordered cerebral autoregulation plays a significant role in the development of PRES.

Other potential options do not directly correlate with the specific mechanisms involved in the development of PRES. Increased muscle tone and vitamin B12 deficiency do not typically cause a disruption in cerebral blood flow regulation, while overhydration might contribute to other conditions but is not specifically known to induce PRES through the same pathway as disordered cerebral autoregulation.