[Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and hyperammonemia: two entities causing cerebral edema and status epilepticus in a female patient after lung transplantation].

A 58-year-old woman developed rapidly progressive neurological symptoms and finally loss of vigilance 5 weeks following primarily successful lung transplantation. A posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) under treatment with tacrolimus as well as hyperammonemia due to sepsis with Ureaplasma urealyticum could be identified as the causes. Infections with Ureaplasma, bacteria which produce ammonia as a product of metabolism, are increasingly being identified in immunocompromised people by specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction) procedures and should routinely be taken into consideration as the cause of unspecific neurological symptoms.