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Kayyali MN, Momii A, Xiao J, Fan Z, Dumitrascu OM. The Clinical Utility of High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging in Screening for Meningovascular Neurosyphilis. Neurohospitalist 2022; 12:63-66. [PMID: 34950388 PMCID: PMC8689528 DOI: 10.1177/19418744211000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningovascular neurosyphilis is a common cause of stroke in young adults, particularly when HIV co-infection is present. Contemporary screening for neurosyphilis relies on invasive testing. High resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VW) is an emerging non-invasive tool to detect intracranial vessel wall inflammation. We report a case of multifocal acute cerebral infarctions from meningovascular neurosyphillis in which HR-VWI was instrumental in leading to the etiological diagnosis. A 32-year-old man with history of untreated HIV and polysubstance abuse presented with sudden onset vertigo. CT angiogram of the head and neck showed non-dominant left extracranial vertebral artery occlusion in the V1 segment, and multifocal areas of stenoses in V2 through V4 segments. Non-contrast brain MRI demonstrated multiple small acute infarcts in the left cerebellum, left brachium pontis, medulla and occipital lobe. Rapid plasma reagin was reactive. 3D whole-brain HR-VWI revealed concentric vessel wall contrast enhancement in the left V4 segment, suggestive of inflammation. This HR-VWI finding prompted further investigation with cerebrospinal fluid analysis that revealed reactive fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test. The patient received high-dose intravenous Penicillin G, was restarted on highly active antiretroviral therapy, and remained neurologically stable to-date. With high spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, HR-VWI allows for visualization of vessel wall inflammation in co-morbid HIV and neurosyphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin Momii
- Department of Neurology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiayu Xiao
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oana M. Dumitrascu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA,Oana M. Dumitrascu, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
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Magnetic Resonance Vessel Wall Imaging in Central Nervous System Vasculitides: A Case Series. Neurologist 2021; 25:174-177. [PMID: 33181726 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aim to report 3 cases of central nervous system (CNS) vasculitides, in which high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) findings were instrumental in the diagnosis and management. CASE REPORT Case 1: A 41-year-old obese, smoker female with arterial hypertension presented with recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Computed topography angiography demonstrated bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. HR-VWI revealed uniform enhancement and thickening of the arterial wall, suggestive of MCA vasculitis. The patient reported chronic calf rash that was biopsied and revealed unspecified connective tissue disease. With immunomodulation, patient remained asymptomatic and 6-month surveillance HR-VWI showed improved MCA stenoses.Case 2: A 56-year-old male with herpes simplex virus 1 encephalitis was treated with antiviral therapy and improved clinically. Two months later, the brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed new temporo-parietal edema and distal MCA hyperintense vessels. HR-VWI showed MCA concentric smooth contrast enhancement, that was attributed to postinfectious vasculitis and had resolved on follow-up HR-VWI.Case 3: A 41-year-old male presented with 1-week of headache and encephalopathy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed punctate multifocal acute ischemic infarcts and no contrast-enhancement. HR-VWI showed multifocal diffuse enhancement of distal cerebral vasculature. Patient subsequently developed branch retinal artery occlusion and hearing loss and was diagnosed with Susac syndrome. No recurrent symptoms were noted after immunotherapy initiation. CONCLUSIONS In these 3 cases, HR-VWI identified distinctive vascular inflammatory changes, which were crucial to guide the etiological workup, positive diagnosis, surveillance neuroimaging, and targeted treatment. HR-VWI is an important diagnostic tool in CNS vasculitides, by providing nuanced information about arterial wall integrity and pathology.
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Diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of central nervous system vasculitis: an evaluation of vessel-wall MRI findings. J Neurol 2021; 269:982-996. [PMID: 34236502 PMCID: PMC8264821 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10683-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective To approach the clinical value of MRI with vessel wall imaging (VWI) in patients with central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV), we analyzed patterns of VWI findings both at the time of initial presentation and during follow-up. Methods Stenoocclusive lesions, vessel-wall contrast enhancement (VW-CE) and diffusion-restricted lesions were analyzed in patients with a diagnosis of CNSV. On available VWI follow-up, progression, regression or stability of VW-CE were evaluated and correlated with the clinical status. Results Of the 45 patients included, 28 exhibited stenoses visible on MR angiography (MRA-positive) while 17 had no stenosis (MRA-negative). VW-CE was found in 2/17 MRA-negative and all MRA-positive patients (p < 0.05). 79.1% (53/67) of stenoses showed VW-CE. VW-CE was concentric in 88.3% and eccentric in 11.7% of cases. Diffusion-restricted lesions were found more frequently in relation to stenoses with VW-CE than without VW-CE (p < 0.05). 48 VW-CE lesions in 23 patients were followed over a median time of 239.5 days. 13 VW-CE lesions (27.1%) resolved completely, 14 (29.2%) showed partial regression, 17 (35.4%) remained stable and 4 (8.3%) progressed. 22/23 patients received immunosuppressive therapy for the duration of follow-up. Patients with stable or progressive VW-CE were more likely (p < 0.05) to have a relapse (14/30 cases) than patients with partial or complete regression of VW-CE (5/25 cases). Conclusion Concentric VW-CE is a common finding in medium/large-sized vessel CNSV. VW-CE might represent active inflammation in certain situations. However, follow-up VWI findings proved ambiguous as persisting VW-CE despite immunosuppressive therapy and clinical remission was a frequent finding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10683-7.
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Arnett N, Pavlou A, Burke MP, Cucchiara BL, Rhee RL, Song JW. Vessel wall MR imaging of central nervous system vasculitis: a systematic review. Neuroradiology 2021; 64:43-58. [PMID: 33938989 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-021-02724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Beyond vessel wall enhancement, little is understood about vessel wall MR imaging (VW-MRI) features of vasculitis affecting the central nervous system (CNS). We reviewed vessel wall MR imaging patterns of inflammatory versus infectious vasculitis and also compared imaging patterns for intracranial versus extracranial arteries of the head and neck. METHODS Studies reporting vasculitis of the CNS/head and neck and included MR imaging descriptions of vessel wall features were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and EMBASE up to June 10, 2020. From 6065 publications, 115 met the inclusion criteria. Data on study characteristics, vasculitis type, MR details, and VW-MRI descriptions were extracted. RESULTS Studies used VW-MRI for inflammatory (64%), infectious (17%), or both inflammatory and infectious vasculitides (19%). Vasculitis affecting intracranial versus extracranial arteries were reported in 58% and 39% of studies, respectively. Commonly reported VW-MRI features were vessel wall enhancement (89%), thickening (72%), edema (10%), and perivascular enhancement (16%). Inflammatory vasculitides affecting the intracranial arteries were less frequently reported to have vessel wall thickening (p = 0.006) and perivascular enhancement (p = 0.001) than extracranial arteries. Varicella zoster/herpes simplex vasculitis (VZV/HSV, 45%) and primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS, 22%) were the most commonly reported CNS infectious and inflammatory vasculitides, respectively. Patients with VZV/HSV vasculitis more frequently showed decreased or resolution of vessel wall enhancement after therapy compared to PACNS (89% versus 59%). CONCLUSIONS To establish imaging biomarkers of vessel wall inflammation in the CNS, VW-MRI features of vasculitis accounting for disease mechanism and anatomy should be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Arnett
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Athanasios Pavlou
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Morgan P Burke
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brett L Cucchiara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rennie L Rhee
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jae W Song
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Jewells VL, Latchaw RE. CNS Vasculitis-An Overview of This Multiple Sclerosis Mimic: Clinical and MRI Implications. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2020; 41:296-308. [PMID: 32448486 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses central nervous system vasculitis, a clinical and MRI mimic of multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a paucity of discussion of vasculitis in the radiology literature, and many MS neurologists believe that vasculitis is underdiagnosed. Therefore, the authors hope that the readers will find this paper increases their knowledge about CNS vasculitis and improves their ability to differentiate MS from vasculitis.
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Leao DJ, Agarwal A, Mohan S, Bathla G. Intracranial vessel wall imaging: applications, interpretation, and pitfalls. Clin Radiol 2020; 75:730-739. [PMID: 32197916 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Vessel wall imaging (VWI) is being increasingly used as a non-invasive diagnostic method to evaluate the intra- and extracranial vascular bed. Whereas conventional vascular imaging primarily assesses the vessel lumen, VWI changes the focus of analysis toward the vessel wall. As the technical challenges of high spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio and long scans times are addressed, interest in the clinical applications of this technique has steadily increased over the years. In this review, the authors will discuss the various applications of VWI as well as principles of interpretation and common imaging findings, focusing on intracranial atherosclerosis, vascular dissection, vasculitides (such as primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) and neurosarcoidosis), vasculopathies (such as reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), cocaine-induced vasculopathy, moyamoya disease, and radiation-induced arteriopathy), aneurysms, and post-thrombectomy changes. The authors will also discuss the potential pitfalls of VWI and helpful cues to avoid being tricked.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Leao
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, 1996 - Jardim Umuarama, Uberlandia, MG, 38405-302, Brazil.
| | - A Agarwal
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Neuroradiology Division, 5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - S Mohan
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - G Bathla
- University of Iowa, Hospitals and Clinics, Radiology, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
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Sarbu MI, Sarbu N. Fulminant Brain Atrophy and Vasculitis on Vessel-Wall Imaging in Neuropsychiatric Lupus: Case Report and Literature Review. Arch Rheumatol 2020; 35:443-448. [PMID: 33458670 PMCID: PMC7788661 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2020.7544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain atrophy, typically slowly progressive, is a hallmark of neuropsychiatric (NP) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this article, we report a case of a young female patient with previously diagnosed SLE, without known NPSLE, with abrupt neurological deterioration and rapidly progressive diffuse atrophy in a few months. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including high-resolution advanced vessel-wall sequences, revealed underlying cerebral vasculitis. The novelty factors that the present report brings are the rapid progressive atrophy demonstrated on follow-up MRI in a patient with SLE, and the depiction of an underlying vasculitis on specific vessel-wall MRI techniques. We also reviewed the literature and discussed the main current applications of vessel-wall MRI sequences. The aim of the report is to recognize this dramatic form of presentation of NPSLE and the utility of the new MRI techniques for the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Ionela Sarbu
- Saint Pierre University Hospital; Erasme Hospital, Rheumatology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolae Sarbu
- Department of Neuroradiology, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, "Dunarea de Jos" University, Galati, Romania
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Kern KC, Liebeskind DS. Vessel Wall Imaging of Cerebrovascular Disorders. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2019; 21:65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-019-0782-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Mullin E, Aristotelidou V, Blackburn D, Jenkins T, Hadjivassiliou M. Cognitive deficits in vasculitis of the nervous system: a cross-sectional study. Postgrad Med 2019; 131:546-549. [PMID: 31483199 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2019.1664256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To identify the cognitive and functional deficits in a well-characterized group of patients with vasculitis of the nervous system. Methods: Sixty-seven patients diagnosed with Central Nervous System (CNS) or Peripheral nervous System (PNS) vasculitis over a 14-year period were retrospectively identified. Data on clinical presentation, laboratory, radiographic and tissue biopsy investigations, and treatment were collated. Cognitive, functional and quality of life evaluation assessments were performed in 31 patients who agreed to participate and included Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-revised (ACE-R), Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) and EQ-5D-3L quality of life questionnaires. Results: CNS vasculitis patients exhibited cognitive impairment, with a mean ACE-R score of 74/100 (standard deviation (SD) 16). NEADL and EQ-5D-3L scores were in the impaired range at 41/66 (SD 21) and 57/81 (SD 22), respectively. Patients with just PNS vasculitis exhibited fewer cognitive deficits with ACE-R and NEADL scores of 87 (SD 8) and 46 (SD 16) respectively. EQ-5D-3L score was in the impaired range of 65 (SD 22). Conclusions: Vasculitis of the nervous system and, in particular, CNS vasculitis causes cognitive impairment and deficits in functional ability. Such patients should be targeted for cognitive rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Mullin
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience and Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK
| | | | - Daniel Blackburn
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience and Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK.,Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital , Sheffield , UK
| | - Thomas Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience and Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK.,Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital , Sheffield , UK
| | - Marios Hadjivassiliou
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience and Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK.,Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital , Sheffield , UK
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