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Li EC, Lai QL, Cai MT, Fang GL, Fang W, Zheng Y, Du Y, Du BQ, Shen CH, Qiao S, Ding MP, Zhang YX. Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS): contemporary advances and current controversies. J Neurol 2024; 271:1747-1766. [PMID: 38286842 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is an inflammatory syndrome with characteristic clinical, radiological, and pathological features, and can be effectively treated with corticosteroid-based immunotherapies. The exact pathogenesis of CLIPPERS remains unclear, and specific diagnostic biomarkers are not available. According to the 2017 diagnostic criteria, probable CLIPPERS should be considered in middle-aged patients with subacute onset of pontocerebellar symptoms and typical punctuate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement lesions ("salt-and-pepper" appearance) located in the hindbrain (especially pons) on magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, CLIPPERS-mimics, such as central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, and several antibody-associated autoimmune CNS diseases (e.g., myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy, and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis), should be extensively excluded. The prerequisite for definite CLIPPERS is the perivascular T-cell-predominant inflammatory infiltration observed on pathological analysis. A biopsy is strongly suggested when clinical/radiological red flags are present. Most patients with CLIPPERS respond well to corticosteroids and have a good prognosis. Long-term low-dose corticosteroid maintenance therapy or corticosteroids coupled with immunosuppressants are recommended to prevent the recurrence of the syndrome. The potential progression of CLIPPERS to lymphoma has been suggested in some cases; therefore, at least 2-year clinical and radiological follow-up is essential. Here, we critically review the recent developments and provided an update on the clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic management of CLIPPERS. We also discuss the current controversies in this context that can be resolved in future research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Chuang Li
- Department of Neurology, Taikang Ningbo Hospital, Ningbo, 315042, China
| | - Qi-Lun Lai
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Meng-Ting Cai
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Gao-Li Fang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Neurology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ye Du
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Bing-Qing Du
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chun-Hong Shen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Song Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Mei-Ping Ding
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Yin-Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Al-Chalabi M, DelCimmuto NR, Beran A, Devarasetty PP, Mhanna A, Mahfooz N, Sheikh A. Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of CLIPPERS: A comprehensive systematic review of 140 patients from 100 studies. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104112. [PMID: 36029706 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by symptoms referable to the brainstem and cerebellum such as, diplopia, gait ataxia and cerebellar dysarthria. The features and outcomes of CLIPPERS remains uncertain. we conducted this comprehensive systematic review to summarize all the existing studies that described CLIPPERS in the literature and to provide a quantitative assessment on the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of this rare syndrome. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception until January 15, 2022, was conducted. We only included the cases that clearly reported probable or definite diagnosis of CLIPPERS based on Taieb et al.'s criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the studies. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. RESULTS We identified 100 case reports and series including a total of 140 patients with CLIPPERS (mean age: 46±18 years and males were 60%). The average follow-up duration was 32.27±57.8 months. Ataxia was the most common presenting symptom. Sixteen percent of the cases were associated with malignancy, mostly hematologic malignancies. The overall relapse rate was 59.2%, and the duration of steroid therapy was considerably shorter in the relapsed cases than in the non-relapsed (mean 6.19±7.9 vs. 10.14±12.1 days, respectively, P = 0.04). The overall mortality rate was 10%, but mortality in patients with malignancy was 30% and it was 12% in patients with relapses. In the case of steroid dosing (less than 20 mg/d versus greater than 20 mg/d) there was no significant modification in the risk of relapse. CONCLUSION CLIPPERS is a rare clinical syndrome that affects mainly middle-aged males. Diagnosis of CLIPPERS is often challenging, and delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, neurologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for CLIPPERS in any patient presenting with symptoms and signs referrable to the brainstem. These patients should be screened for associated malignancies, especially hematological malignancies. The cases associated with malignancy tend to have worse outcomes. The relapse rate is relatively high. The relapse rate may be associated with worse mortality. Based on our findings, we recommend that CLIPPERS be treated with high-dose steroid therapy for at least ten days during the acute phase with a very slow taper. Prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate our findings and guide the clinical care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Al-Chalabi
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, 2130W Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, United States.
| | - Nicholas R DelCimmuto
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Azizullah Beran
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | - Asmaa Mhanna
- The University of Toledo, Promedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Naeem Mahfooz
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, 2130W Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, United States; College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Ajaz Sheikh
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, 2130W Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, United States; College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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Korostyshevskaya AM, Stankevich JA, Vasilkiv LM, Bogomyakova OB, Korobko DS, Gornostaeva AM, Tulupov AА. CLIPPERS: Multiparametric and quantitative MRI features. Radiol Case Rep 2022; 18:368-376. [PMID: 36411846 PMCID: PMC9674504 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare chronic central-nervous-system inflammatory disorder that became known only recently, and the pathogenesis of CLIPPERS remains poorly understood. This report presents clinical and radiological features of a rare case: a young female patient who rapidly died of suspected CLIPPERS. Helpful multiparametric MRI diagnostic criteria are proposed that can help discriminate CLIPPERS from non-CLIPPERS pathologies. We reviewed clinical history, symptoms, quantitative data from brain multiparametric MRI before and after treatment, and histopathological data. Perfusion-weighted imaging revealed a decrease in regional cerebral blood flow by 31% and in cerebral blood volume by 64%, with a moderate increase in transit time and in time to peak by up to 23% in affected pontine and cerebral white matter. As estimated by diffusion tensor imaging, there was elevated density of tracts (n/mm2) and a decrease of fraction anisotropy (×10-3 mm/s2) in the patient's pons as compared to a healthy control: density of tracts = 13.5 vs 12.4 and fraction anisotropy = 0.32 vs 0.45, respectively. Macromolecular proton fraction values proved to be reduced (15.8% and 14.5% in the control, respectively) in the patient's cerebral peduncles by 3% and in the pons by 4.1% and in a periventricular white matter lesion by 6.4% (11.3% in the normal-looking contralateral hemisphere). Based on our findings, we argue that quantitative MRI techniques may be a valuable source of biomarkers and reliable diagnostic criteria and can shed light on the pathogenesis and exact nosological position of this disorder.
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Key Words
- ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient
- CBF, cerebral blood flow
- CLIPPERS
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- DOT, density of tracts
- DTI, diffusion tensor imaging
- DWI, diffusion-weighted imaging
- Diffusion tensor imaging
- FLAIR, fluid attenuated inversion recovery
- ITC, International Tomography Center
- MPF, macromolecular proton fraction
- MS, multiple sclerosis
- Macromolecular proton fraction mapping
- PWI, perfusion-weighted imaging
- Perfusion-weighted imaging
- Quantitative MRI
- SWI, susceptibility-weighted imaging
- WI, weighted image
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Korostyshevskaya
- The Institute International Tomography Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., Bldg. 3а, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «The Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine», 2 Timakova str., Novosibirsk, 630060, Russian Federation
| | - Julia A. Stankevich
- The Institute International Tomography Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., Bldg. 3а, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, 1, Pirogova str., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Liubov M. Vasilkiv
- The Institute International Tomography Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., Bldg. 3а, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, 1, Pirogova str., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Olga B. Bogomyakova
- The Institute International Tomography Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., Bldg. 3а, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, 1, Pirogova str., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Lavrentyev Institute of Hydrodynamics, 15, Akademika Lavrent'yeva pr., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Denis S. Korobko
- Regional Center for Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Novosibirsk Region "State Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Hospital" (GBUZ NSO GNOKB); 126, Nemirovich – Danchenko str., Novosibirsk, 630087, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State Medical University; 52, Krasny prospect av., Novosibirsk, 630091, Russian Federation
| | - Alyona M. Gornostaeva
- The Institute International Tomography Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., Bldg. 3а, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Corresponding author.
| | - Andrey А. Tulupov
- The Institute International Tomography Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., Bldg. 3а, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State University, 1, Pirogova str., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
- Lavrentyev Institute of Hydrodynamics, 15, Akademika Lavrent'yeva pr., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation
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Axelerad AD, Stroe AZ, Mihai C, Frecus C, Jianu DC, Axelerad DD, Gogu AE. CLIPPERS, chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids: A challenge in neurological practice, clinical landmarks (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1191. [PMID: 34475981 PMCID: PMC8406757 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a relatively newly discovered and characterized condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS) that involves the brainstem almost ubiquitously and that focuses primarily on the pons. Characteristically, CLIPPERS represents a combination of clinical symptoms related to the pathology of the brainstem in particular and has a characteristic appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement 'peppering' the pons. The lesions can be viewed via neuroimaging with a predominance in the pons and adjacent rhombencephalic structures, such as the cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, medulla, and middle brain. These lesions may also spread and appear in other areas of the brain such as the thalamus or white matter. As the name suggests, this clinical syndrome responds to immunosuppressive treatment based on glucocorticosteroids (GCSs), expressed as both clinical and radiological improvements. Support for this treatment is required for a long period, since exacerbations may occur without. Thus, the diagnosis of CLIPPERS has garnered increased attention from clinicians and the active exclusion of differential alternative diagnoses is needed. A specific biomarker of serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for this condition has not been discovered. The pathophysiology of this condition is not fully elucidated, and it is not yet clear whether CLIPPERS is a disease in its own right or is the culmination of several already known syndromes. Clinicians and radiologists should pay close attention to this condition as it is relatively easy to treat and patients can benefit from the early introduction of GCSs, which can produce significant results through long-term immunosuppression. Taking into account previous reports in the literature, which currently include over 50 cases reported as CLIPPERS, this analysis addressed the clinical features, and paraclinical and differential diagnoses of cases described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Any Docu Axelerad
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Neurology Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Alina Zorina Stroe
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Neurology Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihai
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Corina Frecus
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Dragos Catalin Jianu
- Department of Neurology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Anca Elena Gogu
- Department of Neurology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Hemorragic presentation of Listeria Monocytogenes rhombencephalic abscess. JOURNAL OF POPULATION THERAPEUTICS AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 27:e28-e34. [DOI: 10.15586/jptcp.v27i3.704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, characterized by demyelinating lesions of the brain and the spinal cord. Although it is extremely important to diagnose this condition in a timely manner, to initiate and monitor treatment to prevent permanent neurologic damage and disability, it is also necessary that other demyelinating conditions collectively referred to as MS mimics be identified and excluded. This article describes the in-depth neuroimaging characteristics and morphology of the pathologic lesions on the various neuroimaging modalities.
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Taieb G, Mulero P, Psimaras D, van Oosten BW, Seebach JD, Marignier R, Pico F, Rigau V, Ueno Y, Duflos C, Fominykh V, Guiraud V, Lebrun-Frénay C, Camdessanché JP, Kerschen P, Ahle G, Téllez N, Rovira A, Hoang-Xuan K, Pelletier J, Labauge P. CLIPPERS and its mimics: evaluation of new criteria for the diagnosis of CLIPPERS. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:1027-1038. [PMID: 31072955 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-318957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of the recently proposed diagnostic criteria for chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS). METHODS We enrolled 42 patients with hindbrain punctate and/or linear enhancements (<3 mm in diameter) and tested the CLIPPERS criteria. RESULTS After a median follow-up of 50 months (IQR 25-82), 13 out of 42 patients were CLIPPERS-mimics: systemic and central nervous system lymphomas (n=7), primary central nervous system angiitis (n=4) and autoimmune gliopathies (n=2). The sensitivity and specificity of the CLIPPERS criteria were 93% and 69%, respectively. Nodular enhancement ( ≥ 3 mm in diameter), considered as a red flag in CLIPPERS criteria, was present in 4 out of 13 CLIPPERS-mimics but also in 2 out of 29 patients with CLIPPERS, explaining the lack of sensitivity. Four out of 13 CLIPPERS-mimics who initially met the CLIPPERS criteria displayed red flags at the second attack with a median time of 5.5 months (min 3, max 18), explaining the lack of specificity. One of these four patients had antimyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies, and the three remaining patients relapsed despite a daily dose of prednisone/prednisolone ≥ 30 mg and a biopsy targeting atypical enhancing lesions revealed a lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights that (1) nodular enhancement should be considered more as an unusual finding than a red flag excluding the diagnosis of CLIPPERS; (2) red flags may occur up to 18 months after disease onset; (3) as opposed to CLIPPERS-mimics, no relapse occurs when the daily dose of prednisone/prednisolone is ≥ 30 mg; and (4) brain biopsy should target an atypical enhancing lesion when non-invasive investigations remain inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Taieb
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patricia Mulero
- Centre d'Esclerosi Mútiple de Catalunya, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dimitri Psimaras
- Department of Neurology, AP-HP Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Neurologie Mazarin, Paris, France
| | - Bob W van Oosten
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jörg D Seebach
- Department of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital of Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Marignier
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028 and CNRS UMR5292, Equipe FLUID, Lyon, France
| | - Fernando Pico
- Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Versailles, France.,University of Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines et Paris Saclay, Versailles, France
| | - Valérie Rigau
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yuji Ueno
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Claire Duflos
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, DIM, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Vera Fominykh
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Moscow, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vincent Guiraud
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, France
| | | | - Jean-Philippe Camdessanché
- Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM U1028 and CNRS UMR5292, Equipe FLUID, Lyon, France.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Sainte Anne, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Kerschen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Guido Ahle
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - Nieves Téllez
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clinico de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alex Rovira
- Centre d'Esclerosi Mútiple de Catalunya, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Khe Hoang-Xuan
- Department of Neurology, AP-HP Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Neurologie Mazarin, Paris, France
| | - Jean Pelletier
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Labauge
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Ramadan SM, Al-Ghamdi A, Saleh AI, Muddassir R, Rahman SS, Attahan A, Algahtani M, Ghaith MM, Theyab A. Case report with review of literature for the dilemma of diagnosis of CLIPPERS. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl-2018-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CLIPPER is a chronic inflammatory disorder in the CNS, which is characterized by MRI appearance of punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement that involve the pons and the cerebellum and exquisite response to steroid. We report a patient presented with clinical and radiological features suggestive of CLIPPERS. However, despite the initial response to steroid, there were dramatic changes in the course of his disease that were conducive to considering another diagnosis. We searched PubMed using word (CLIPPERS) till December 2018. The pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment and prognosis of this disorder are summarized. A review of the literature for cases of CLIPPERS demonstrated a subset of patients who later discovered to have an alternative pathology. Indeed, clinicians should be scrupulous to diagnose this disease based solely on the clinical and radiological findings and they should have a lower threshold of having a brain biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi M Ramadan
- Department of Internal Medicine, MRCP (UK), Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Idris Saleh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rabia Muddassir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed S Rahman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Attahan
- Department of Radiology, Security Forces Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Algahtani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Comprehensive Specialised Clinics of the Security Forces, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazen M Ghaith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Diffuse white matter alteration in CLIPPERS: Advanced MRI findings from two cases. J Neurol Sci 2019; 402:40-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Zhang L, Liu XH, Jin F, Liu MX, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zhou DB, Zhang W. Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) associated with or without lymphoma: Comparison of clinical features and risk factors suggestive of underlying lymphomas. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 66:156-164. [PMID: 31088767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied patients with chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) associated with or without lymphoma and measured risk factors suggestive of an underlying lymphoma and follow-up outcomes. METHODS CLIPPERS patients associated with or without lymphoma were included into this study. Clinical presentations were documented, risk factors suggestive of an underlying lymphoma were tested, and prognostic differences in terms of death were compared. RESULTS Ten patients had a diagnosis of CLIPPERS associated with lymphoma, with 6 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 2 T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 2 Hodgkin lymphoma. Using multivariate logistic analysis, the following 3 independent risk factors were found to be related to a final diagnosis of lymphoma: hyperreflexia (HR 16.56; 95% CI 1.03-265.29; p = 0.032), elevated protein in CSF (HR 11.59; 95% CI 1.24-108.39; p = 0.047), and recurrences between 2 months and 1 year after treatment (HR 29.27; 95% CI 2.09-409.58; p = 0.012). The model calibration was satisfactory (p = 0.392 with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test), and the discrimination power was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.921; p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.826-1.000). Patients with CLIPPERS associated with lymphoma had higher mortality rate and lymphoma was a significant predictor of total mortality (HR 0.040; 95% CI 0.006-0.262; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Hyperreflexia, elevated protein in CSF and recurrences between 2 months and 1 year after treatment are risk factors suggesting an underlying lymphoma. Relapses during high-dose steroids maintenance therapy can be indicative of lymphoma, too. Patients having CLIPPERS associated with lymphoma have a worse prognosis than those without lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao-Hang Liu
- Dept. of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Mei-Xi Liu
- Dept. of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dao-Bin Zhou
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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Berkman J, Ford C, Johnson E, Malow BA, Aulino JM. Misdiagnosis: CNS Erdheim-Chester disease mimicking CLIPPERS. Neuroradiol J 2017; 31:399-402. [PMID: 28685649 DOI: 10.1177/1971400917710251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is an inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder with particular involvement of the pons. Diagnostic criteria include a range of clinical symptoms related to the underlying brainstem pathology, visible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI findings include the appearance of punctuate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement 'peppering' the pons. We discuss a patient presenting with clinical and radiographic characteristics of CLIPPERS who was diagnosed with Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD). Case report A 52-year-old male presented with 2 years of progressive spasticity, dysarthria, and gait instability. Initially, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at an outside hospital, based on tremor, rigidity, and gait instability; however, he failed to improve with a trial of levodopa. Brain MRI showed small enhancing parenchymal nodules coalescing in the central pons, but also affecting the cerebellum and cerebellar peduncles, with more punctate enhancing lesions in the cerebral lobar subcortical white matter. When the patient's response to steroids was inadequate, further imaging was done, revealing perinephric processes. Subsequent biopsy revealed ECD. Conclusions A review of the literature for cases of CLIPPERS demonstrated a subset of patients later found to have various malignancies involving the CNS. This case report uses the patient's unique radiographic and clinical presentation to demonstrate the importance of the exclusion criteria within the CLIPPERS diagnostic requirements and stresses red flags suggestive of alternative diagnoses. This distinction is of high importance when differentiating a relatively benign process such as CLIPPERS from more malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Berkman
- 1 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Caleb Ford
- 1 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emily Johnson
- 2 Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Beth A Malow
- 2 Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joseph M Aulino
- 3 Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
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Hou X, Wang X, Xie B, Lin W, Liu J, Ma D, Zhang HL. Horizontal eyeball akinesia as an initial manifestation of CLIPPERS: Case report and review of literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4640. [PMID: 27559963 PMCID: PMC5400330 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder in the central nervous system (CNS), which is characterized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance with punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement "peppering" the pons. Lesions of CLIPPERS mainly involve the pons and the cerebellum. Adjacent structures such as the medulla and the midbrain may also be involved. It is proposed that CLIPPERS is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition characteristic of T-cell-predominant infiltrates and good responsiveness to corticosteroids. METHODS AND RESULTS We report a 46-year-old woman who presented with horizontal eyeball akinesia and gait ataxia with characteristic MRI features of CLIPPERS. The possible pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment, and prognosis of this peculiar disorder are summarized. CONCLUSION This report contributes to the clinical understanding of CLIPPERS which may present with horizontal eyeball akinesia as an initial manifestation. The characteristic presentation of a subacute cerebellar and brainstem syndrome and pepper-like gadolinium enhancement was confirmed in this report. Long-term immunosuppressive treatment seems to be mandatory to sustain improvement. Azathioprine alone may be capable of maintaining remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Hou
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Weihong Lin
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Correspondence: Jun Liu, Dihui Ma, and Hong-Liang Zhang, Jilin University, 130000, Changchun, China (e-mail: [JL]; [DM]; [HLZ)
| | - Dihui Ma
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University
- Correspondence: Jun Liu, Dihui Ma, and Hong-Liang Zhang, Jilin University, 130000, Changchun, China (e-mail: [JL]; [DM]; [HLZ)
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University
- Correspondence: Jun Liu, Dihui Ma, and Hong-Liang Zhang, Jilin University, 130000, Changchun, China (e-mail: [JL]; [DM]; [HLZ)
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Pesaresi I, Sabato M, Doria R, Desideri I, Guida M, Giorgi FS, Cosottini M. Susceptibility-weighted imaging in parenchymal neurosyphilis: identification of a new MRI finding. Sex Transm Infect 2015; 91:489-92. [PMID: 25834123 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND General paresis (GP) is a late form of parenchymal neurosyphilis causing dementia and neuropsychiatric disorders. The diagnosis is often difficult since the clinical signs are protean. So far, neuroimaging has played a minor role as radiological findings are not specific. METHODS We studied three immunocompetent patients, admitted to hospital for cognitive impairment. The diagnosis of neurosyphilis was formulated on the basis of serological texts and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The patients underwent a 3 T MR examination including susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequence before and after the initiation of penicillin therapy. RESULTS In all patients, SWI revealed cortical hypointensity, mostly distributed in frontal and temporal lobes. In drug-naive patients, the hypointensity extended over the whole cortical thickness, from the cortical/subcortical junction to the pial surface. After starting the penicillin therapy, the cortical hypointensity partially reversed, involving only the deep cortical layers. CONCLUSIONS The MRI pattern at SWI observed in patients with GP was not reported in other infectious or inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, thus we suggest it could be a peculiar radiological finding of the disease. On the basis of previous pathological data, we hypothesise that cortical SWI hypointensity could be expression of iron deposits within activated microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pesaresi
- Unit of Neuroradiology, AOUP, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Sabato
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Doria
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, AOUP, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Desideri
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Melania Guida
- Unit of Neurology, AOUP, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Mirco Cosottini
- Unit of Neuroradiology, AOUP, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Dudesek A, Rimmele F, Tesar S, Kolbaske S, Rommer PS, Benecke R, Zettl UK. CLIPPERS: chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids. Review of an increasingly recognized entity within the spectrum of inflammatory central nervous system disorders. Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 175:385-96. [PMID: 24028073 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently defined inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder, prominently involving the brainstem and in particular the pons. The condition features a combination of clinical symptoms essentially referable to brainstem pathology and a characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance with punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement 'peppering' the pons. The radiological distribution is focused in the pons and adjacent rhombencephalic structures such as the cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, medulla and the midbrain. While the lesion burden with a perivascular pattern is typically most dense in these pontine and peripontine regions, enhancing lesions may additionally extend into the spinal cord and supratentorial structures such as the thalamus, basal ganglia, capsula interna, corpus callosum and the cerebral white matter. Another core feature is clinical and radiological responsiveness to glucocorticosteroid (GCS)-based immunosuppression. As withdrawal of GCS treatment results commonly in disease exacerbation, long-term immunosuppressive therapy appears to be mandatory for sustained improvement. Diagnosis of CLIPPERS is challenging, and requires careful exclusion of alternative diagnoses. A specific serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker for the disorder is currently not known. Pathogenesis of CLIPPERS remains poorly understood, and the nosological position of CLIPPERS has still to be established. Whether CLIPPERS represents an independent, actual new disorder or a syndrome that includes aetiologically heterogeneous diseases and/or their prestages remains a debated and not finally clarified issue. Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of this condition and its differential diagnoses, given that CLIPPERS constitutes a treatable condition and that patients may benefit from an early introduction of GCS ensued by long-term immunosuppression. Based on previous reports in literature - currently encompassing more than 50 reported cases of CLIPPERS - this review addresses clinical features, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses and therapeutic management of this peculiar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dudesek
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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CLIPPERS With Chronic Small Vessel Damage: More Overlap With Small Vessel Vasculitis? J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2014; 73:262-7. [DOI: 10.1097/nen.0000000000000050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Taieb G, Renard D, Allou T, Labauge P. CLIPPERS and its related disorders, relevance of brain 3.0 T MR. Magn Reson Imaging 2014; 32:402. [PMID: 24556501 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Taieb
- Department of Neurology, CHU Nîmes, Hôpital Caremeau, Place du Pr Debré, 30029 Nîmes Cedex 4, France.
| | - Dimitri Renard
- Department of Neurology, CHU Nîmes, Hôpital Caremeau, Place du Pr Debré, 30029 Nîmes Cedex 4, France
| | - Thibault Allou
- Department of Neurology, CHU Nîmes, Hôpital Caremeau, Place du Pr Debré, 30029 Nîmes Cedex 4, France
| | - Pierre Labauge
- Department of Neurology, CHU Nîmes, Hôpital Caremeau, Place du Pr Debré, 30029 Nîmes Cedex 4, France
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