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Cosottini M, Calzoni T, Lazzarotti GA, Grigolini A, Bosco P, Cecchi P, Tosetti M, Biagi L, Donatelli G. Time-of-flight MRA of intracranial vessels at 7 T. Eur Radiol Exp 2024; 8:68. [PMID: 38844683 PMCID: PMC11156832 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-024-00463-z] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) is a largely adopted non-invasive technique for assessing cerebrovascular diseases. We aimed to optimize the 7-T TOF-MRA acquisition protocol, confirm that it outperforms conventional 3-T TOF-MRA, and compare 7-T TOF-MRA with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in patients with different vascular pathologies. METHODS Seven-tesla TOF-MRA sequences with different spatial resolutions acquired in four healthy subjects were compared with 3-T TOF-MRA for signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios as well as using a qualitative scale for vessel visibility and the quantitative Canny algorithm. Four patients with cerebrovascular disease (primary arteritis of the central nervous system, saccular aneurism, arteriovenous malformation, and dural arteriovenous fistula) underwent optimized 7-T TOF-MRA and DSA as reference. Images were compared visually and using the complex-wavelet structural similarity index. RESULTS Contrast-to-noise ratio was higher at 7 T (4.5 ± 0.8 (mean ± standard deviation)) than at 3 T (2.7 ± 0.9). The mean quality score for all intracranial vessels was higher at 7 T (2.89) than at 3 T (2.28). Angiogram quality demonstrated a better vessel border detection at 7 T than at 3 T (44,166 versus 28,720 pixels). Of 32 parameters used for diagnosing cerebrovascular diseases on DSA, 27 (84%) were detected on 7-T TOF-MRA; the similarity index ranged from 0.52 (dural arteriovenous fistula) to 0.90 (saccular aneurysm). CONCLUSIONS Seven-tesla TOF-MRA outperformed conventional 3-T TOF-MRA in evaluating intracranial vessels and exhibited an excellent image quality when compared to DSA. Seven-tesla TOF-MRA might improve the non-invasive diagnostic approach to several cerebrovascular diseases. RELEVANCE STATEMENT An optimized TOF-MRA sequence at 7 T outperforms 3-T TOF-MRA, opening perspectives to its clinical use for noninvasive diagnosis of paradigmatic pathologies of intracranial vessels. KEY POINTS • An optimized 7-T TOF-MRA protocol was selected for comparison with clinical 3-T TOF-MRA for assessing intracranial vessels. • Seven-tesla TOF-MRA outperformed 3-T TOF-MRA in both quantitative and qualitative evaluation. • Seven-tesla TOF-MRA is comparable to DSA for the diagnosis and characterization of intracranial vascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Cosottini
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- Neuroradiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Calzoni
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Bosco
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Cecchi
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Imago7 Research Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Tosetti
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Biagi
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Graziella Donatelli
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Imago7 Research Foundation, Pisa, Italy
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Sherri A, Mortada MM, Makowska J, Lewandowska-Polak A. Primary angiitis of the CNS and ANCA-associated vasculitis: from pathology to treatment. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:211-222. [PMID: 37777632 PMCID: PMC10796583 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05461-9] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Vasculitis of the central nervous system can be a localized process, such as primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS), or systemic vasculitis, such as ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Since both conditions share neurological manifestations, the following review will discuss the neurological aspects of both. This review aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation and assessment, diagnostic workup, and treatment protocol for both PACNS and AAV with central nervous system involvement. To provide a comprehensive comparison and update, a literature review was conducted using PubMed and Ovid databases (Embase and Medline). Then, the references were retrieved, screened, and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. PACNS and AAV share similarities in clinical presentation and neurological symptoms, especially in terms of headache, focal deficits, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, both conditions may exhibit similarities in laboratory and radiological findings, making brain biopsy the gold standard for differentiation between the two conditions. Moreover, the treatment protocols for PACNS and AAV are nearly identical. Comparing PACNS and AAV with CNS involvement highlights the similarities in clinical presentation, radiological findings, and treatment protocols between the two conditions. Further research should focus on establishing a practical diagnostic protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Sherri
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland.
| | | | - Joanna Makowska
- Department of Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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Pascarella R, Antonenko K, Boulouis G, De Boysson H, Giannini C, Heldner MR, Kargiotis O, Nguyen TN, Rice CM, Salvarani C, Schmidt-Pogoda A, Strbian D, Hussain S, Zedde M. European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System (PACNS). Eur Stroke J 2023; 8:842-879. [PMID: 37903069 PMCID: PMC10683718 DOI: 10.1177/23969873231190431] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline on Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System (PACNS), developed according to ESO standard operating procedures (SOP) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, was elaborated to assist clinicians in the diagnostic and treatment pathway of patients with PACNS in their decision making. A working group involving vascular neurologists, neuroradiologists, rheumatologists, a neuropathologist and a methodologist identified 17 relevant clinical questions; these were addressed according to the patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes (PICO) framework and systematic literature reviews were performed. Notably, each PICO was addressed with respect to large vessel (LV)-PACNS and small vessel (SV)-PACNS. Data to answer many questions were scarce or lacking and the quality of evidence was very low overall, so, for some PICOs, the recommendations reflect the ongoing uncertainty. When the absence of sufficient evidence precluded recommendations, Expert Consensus Statements were formulated. In some cases, this applied to interventions in the diagnosis and treatment of PACNS which are embedded widely in clinical practice, for example patterns of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) abnormalities. CSF analysis for hyperproteinorrachia and pleocytosis does not have evidence supporting their use as diagnostic tools. The working group recommended that caution is employed in the interpretation of non-invasive vascular imaging due to lack of validation and the different sensitivities in comparison with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and histopathological analyses. Moreover, there is not a neuroimaging pattern specific for PACNS and neurovascular issues are largely underreported in PACNS patients. The group's recommendations on induction and maintenance of treatment and for primary or secondary prevention of vascular events also reflect uncertainty due to lack of evidence. Being uncertain the role and practical usefulness of current diagnostic criteria and being not comparable the main treatment strategies, it is suggested to have a multidisciplinary team approach in an expert center during both work up and management of patients with suspected PACNS. Highlighting the limitations of the currently accepted diagnostic criteria, we hope to facilitate the design of multicenter, prospective clinical studies and trials. A standardization of neuroimaging techniques and reporting to improve the level of evidence underpinning interventions employed in the diagnosis and management of PACNS. We anticipate that this guideline, the first comprehensive European guideline on PACNS management using GRADE methodology, will assist clinicians to choose the most effective management strategy for PACNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Pascarella
- Neuroradiology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Katherina Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Boulouis
- Neuroradiology - Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, CIC-IT 1415, INSERM 1253 iBrain, Tours University Hospital, Centre Val de Loire Region, France
| | - Hubert De Boysson
- Service de Médecine Interne, CHU de Caen, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, Caen, France; Université Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Caterina Giannini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mirjam R Heldner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Odysseas Kargiotis
- Stroke Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Ethnarchou Makariou 9, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Thanh N Nguyen
- Neurology, Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire M Rice
- Neurology, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Neurology, Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology, Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia and Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antje Schmidt-Pogoda
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Strbian
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Central Hospital HUCH, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Marialuisa Zedde
- Neurology Unit, Stroke Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Nehme A, Boulanger M, Aouba A, Pagnoux C, Zuber M, Touzé E, de Boysson H. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to adult central nervous system vasculitis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2022; 178:1041-1054. [PMID: 36156251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.05.003] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The clinical manifestations of central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis are highly variable. In the absence of a positive CNS biopsy, CNS vasculitis is particularly suspected when markers of both vascular disease and inflammation are present. To facilitate the clinical and therapeutic approach to this rare condition, CNS vasculitis can be classified according to the size of the involved vessels. Vascular imaging is used to identify medium vessel disease. Small vessel disease can only be diagnosed with a CNS biopsy. Medium vessel vasculitis usually presents with focal neurological signs, while small vessel vasculitis more often leads to cognitive deficits, altered level of consciousness and seizures. Markers of CNS inflammation include cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis or elevated protein levels, and vessel wall, parenchymal or leptomeningeal enhancement. The broad range of differential diagnoses of CNS vasculitis can be narrowed based on the disease subtype. Common mimickers of medium vessel vasculitis include intracranial atherosclerosis and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. The diagnostic workup aims to answer two questions: is the neurological presentation secondary to a vasculitic process, and if so, is the vasculitis primary (i.e., primary angiitis of the CNS) or secondary (e.g., to a systemic vasculitis, connective tissue disorder, infection, malignancy or drug use)? In primary angiitis of the CNS, glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide are most often used for induction therapy, but rituximab may be an alternative. Based on the available evidence, all patients should receive maintenance immunosuppression. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis and to improve outcomes for patients with this potentially devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nehme
- Normandie University, Caen, France; Department of Neurology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Inserm UMR-S U1237 PhIND/BB@C, Caen, France.
| | - M Boulanger
- Normandie University, Caen, France; Department of Neurology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Inserm UMR-S U1237 PhIND/BB@C, Caen, France
| | - A Aouba
- Normandie University, Caen, France; Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - C Pagnoux
- Vasculitis clinic, Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M Zuber
- Department of Neurology, Saint-Joseph Hospital, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - E Touzé
- Normandie University, Caen, France; Department of Neurology, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France; Inserm UMR-S U1237 PhIND/BB@C, Caen, France
| | - H de Boysson
- Normandie University, Caen, France; Department of Internal Medicine, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
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"When should primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) be suspected?": literature review and proposal of a preliminary screening algorithm. Neurol Sci 2020; 41:3135-3148. [PMID: 32776287 PMCID: PMC7567723 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Primary angiitis of the CNS (PACNS) is a process causing variously combined neurological disturbances. Its rarity and kaleidoscopic presentation make it difficult to diagnose and even to suspect. Objective (1) To provide an up-to-date review on PACNS and (2) to create a preliminary screening algorithm based on clinical and radiological first-level data, useful to suspect PACNS and guide further investigations. Methods Review of PUBMED case series on PACNS, published from 2002 to 2017, collection of frequencies of clinical and neuroimaging features and calculation of median values. Classification of features as “major” or “minor” if frequency was higher or lower than median value. Combination of features in sets of criteria represented by all possible combinations of major and minor clinical and neuroradiological features. Application of criteria to published PACNS case reports and selection of the ones best identifying patients with definite PACNS. Results We reviewed 24 case series. “Major” clinical features were headache, stroke, cognitive impairment, focal neurological deficits; “minor” were seizures, altered consciousness, psychiatric disorders. “Major” neuroradiological features were multiple parenchymal lesions, parenchymal/meningeal contrast enhancement, magnetic resonance angiography vessel abnormalities, vessel wall enhancement; “minor” were parenchymal/subarachnoid hemorrhage, single parenchymal lesion. The selected sets of criteria able to identify all PACNS patients were (1) one clinical (major/minor) + one major neuroradiological feature; and (2) Two clinical (≥ 1 major) + one minor neuroradiological feature. Conclusion Our review provides a detailed clinical/neuroradiological picture of PACNS. The proposed algorithm should be regarded as a preliminary screening tool to move the first steps towards PACNS diagnosis that needs validation.
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Wildner P, Stasiołek M, Matysiak M. Differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory CNS diseases. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 37:101452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.101452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Study on the Clinical, Imaging, and Pathological Characteristics of 18 Cases with Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:920-928. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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9
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Neuroradiologic Characteristics of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System According to the Affected Vessel Size. Clin Neuroradiol 2017; 29:37-44. [PMID: 28875326 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-017-0622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has an important impact in diagnosing primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS). However, neuroradiologic findings may vary immensely, making an easy and definite diagnosis challenging. METHODS In this retrospective, single center study, we analyzed neuroradiologic findings of patients with PACNS diagnosed at our hospital between 2009 and 2014. Furthermore, we classified patients according to the affected vessel size and compared imaging characteristics between the subgroups. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were included (mean age 43 [±15.3] years, 17 females) in this study. Patients with positive angiographic findings were classified as either medium or large vessel PACNS and presented more ischemic lesions (p < 0.001) and vessel wall enhancement (p = 0.017) compared to patients with small vessel PACNS. No significant differences were detected for the distribution of contrast-enhancing lesions (parenchymal or leptomeningeal), hemorrhages, or lesions with mass effect. Twenty-five patients underwent brain biopsy. Patients with medium or large vessel PACNS were less likely to have positive biopsy results. DISCUSSION It is essential to differentiate between small and medium/large vessel PACNS since results in MRI, digital subtraction angiography and brain biopsy may differ immensely. Since image quality of MR scanners improves gradually and brain biopsy may often be nonspecific or negative, our results emphasize the importance of MRI/MRA in the diagnosis process of PACNS.
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McVerry F, McCluskey G, McCarron P, Muir KW, McCarron MO. Diagnostic test results in primary CNS vasculitis: A systematic review of published cases. Neurol Clin Pract 2017; 7:256-265. [PMID: 30107009 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) can be diagnosed using cerebral angiography or histopathology combined with clinical features. The original diagnostic criteria, which weigh each test equally, have not been validated. Limited sensitivity and specificity for biopsy and angiography are recognized. We systematically reviewed results of diagnostic tests performed in patients with an ultimate diagnosis of PCNSV. Methods We searched the OVID Medline database and bibliographies for original cases of PCNSV. We recorded demographics, diagnostic tests used, and assessed agreement between angiography and biopsy when both tests were performed. We also recorded MRI and CSF results. Results We found 701 original cases with PCNSV diagnosed with angiography or pathology. A total of 269 patients (38.4%) had both cerebral angiography and histopathologic testing (biopsy/postmortem). Classic angiographic features of vasculitis were associated with pathologic confirmation in just 32 patients (4.6%). Seventy-four patients (10.6%) with any abnormality on angiography had a normal biopsy, and 99 patients (14.1%) with abnormal biopsies had normal angiography. Brain MRI was abnormal in 505/541 patients (93.3%) and CSF was abnormal in 360/484 patients (74.4%). Increasing use of angiography and decreasing histopathologic testing were found over time. Conclusions Cerebral angiography and pathologic tissue examination were undertaken in a minority of published cases with a diagnosis of PCNSV. When both diagnostic tests were performed, disagreement between them was more than 5 times more likely than agreement. Diagnostic criteria for PCNSV may require revision to classify the clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features of this condition more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferghal McVerry
- Altnagelvin Hospital (FM, GM, MOM), Derry; National Drug Treatment Centre (PM), Dublin, Ireland; and University of Glasgow (KWM), Scotland
| | - Gavin McCluskey
- Altnagelvin Hospital (FM, GM, MOM), Derry; National Drug Treatment Centre (PM), Dublin, Ireland; and University of Glasgow (KWM), Scotland
| | - Peter McCarron
- Altnagelvin Hospital (FM, GM, MOM), Derry; National Drug Treatment Centre (PM), Dublin, Ireland; and University of Glasgow (KWM), Scotland
| | - Keith W Muir
- Altnagelvin Hospital (FM, GM, MOM), Derry; National Drug Treatment Centre (PM), Dublin, Ireland; and University of Glasgow (KWM), Scotland
| | - Mark O McCarron
- Altnagelvin Hospital (FM, GM, MOM), Derry; National Drug Treatment Centre (PM), Dublin, Ireland; and University of Glasgow (KWM), Scotland
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Dutra LA, de Souza AWS, Grinberg-Dias G, Barsottini OGP, Appenzeller S. Central nervous system vasculitis in adults: An update. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 16:123-131. [PMID: 28087351 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a challenging diagnosis due to broad clinical manifestations and variable specificity and sensitivity of laboratory and imaging diagnostic tools. Differential diagnosis includes reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), secondary vasculitis of the CNS and other noninflammatory vasculopathies. Brain biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis and to exclude mimickers. Recent data show that data large-vessel PCNSV present worse prognosis when compared to small-vessel PCNSV. Herein we review diagnosis and management of PCNSV, secondary vasculitis of CNS and RCVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Almeida Dutra
- General Neurology Division, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Simone Appenzeller
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Abstract
Many noncontrast magnetic resonance angiography techniques have recently been developed in response to concerns about gadolinium in patients with renal impairment. This article describes the theory behind established and recently described techniques and how and where they can be performed in clinical practice.
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Abstract
The term "systemic vasculitis" encompasses a diverse set of diseases linked by the presence of blood-vessel inflammation that are often associated with critical complications. These diseases are uncommon in childhood and are frequently subjected to a delayed diagnosis. Although the diagnosis and treatment may be similar for adult and childhood systemic vasculitides, the prevalence and classification vary according to the age group under investigation. For example, Kawasaki disease affects children while it is rarely encountered in adults. In 2006, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS) proposed a classification system for childhood vasculitis adopting the system devised in the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference in 1993, which categorizes vasculitides according to the predominant size of the involved blood vessels into small, medium and large vessel diseases. Currently, medical imaging has a pivotal role in the diagnosis of vasculitis given recent developments in the imaging of blood vessels. For example, early diagnosis of coronary artery aneurysms, a serious complication of Kawasaki disease, is now possible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT); positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) helps to assess active vascular inflammation in Takayasu arteritis. Our review offers a unique approach using the integration of the proposed classification criteria for common systemic childhood vasculitides with their most frequent imaging findings, along with differential diagnoses and an algorithm for diagnosis based on common findings. It should help radiologists and clinicians reach an early diagnosis, therefore facilitating the ultimate goal of proper management of affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdy Soliman
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
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Abstract
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory syndrome targeting the vessels of the brain and spinal cord. Clinical presentation is variable, insidious, and non-specific; headache and encephalopathy are the most common symptoms. Multiple strokes affecting numerous vascular territories may be seen, and both focal and diffuse neurologic dysfunction may be present. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial; a normal CSF along with normal brain parenchymal imaging carries a high negative predictive value in excluding PACNS. The role of imaging continues to evolve, and most patients have abnormal vascular imaging; however, the specificity of imaging for PACNS has historically been poor. Cerebral and meningeal biopsy is a valuable tool in confirming the diagnosis and excluding mimics. PACNS generally responds to immunosuppressive therapy. Failure to respond should prompt evaluation for an alternative diagnosis. Given the rarity of this disorder, exclusion of mimics such as the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) and infectious processes is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lucke
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA,
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