[Cerebral vasculitis associated with gemcitabine]

A case of aortitis during cisplatin-based chemotherapy for cervical cancer

A case of aortitis in a patient undergoing adjuvant cisplatin and topotecan chemotherapy for cervical cancer following presentation with pyrexia of unknown origin and raised inflammatory markers is presented. Although many chemotherapy agents are known to cause small vessel vasculitis and there are several reported cases of large vessel vasculitis following gemcitabine chemotherapy, there is only one previously described case of aortitis following cisplatin administration. This case is presented with corresponding CT and ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT imaging with discussion of the literature regarding vasculitis and chemotherapy.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Causing Central Nervous System Vasculitis Leading to Stroke in a Two-year-old Boy: A Case Report

Here, the authors present the first documented case of a patient developing central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis secondary to Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) ultimately leading to stroke. LCH is a rare histiocytic disorder affecting males and females equally and typically presents in pediatric patients with a median age of 30 months. Presentation of the disease can be single-site or multisystem; and, classification of treatment is further demarcated by high risk and low risk depending on the organ systems involved. Treatment of LCH typically involves vinblastine and prednisone, as well as salvage treatment as needed.

Gemcitabine-induced large vessel vasculitis demonstrated by PET CT: a rare, important side effect

Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue used widely across haemato-oncology. Side effects are generally predictable, and typically consist of cytopenia, nausea, and infection. As the present case clearly demonstrates, gemcitabine is in rare cases associated with life-threatening large vessel vasculitis, which can involve the aorta. It is important to consider gemcitabine-induced vasculitis in non-specifically unwell patients with raised inflammatory markers and fever of unknown origin, with or without signs of vascular compromise. Early recognition, cessation of gemcitabine therapy, and high-dose steroids are critical for a good outcome. PET CT is valuable to diagnose large vessel vasculitis and monitor treatment response.