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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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Galazky I, Büntjen L, Voges J, Sandalcioglu IE, Mawrin C, Haghikia A. Brain biopsy in patients with CLIPPERS syndrome: why and when. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864211062821. [PMID: 35126669 PMCID: PMC8808022 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211062821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CLIPPERS (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids) is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), predominantly involving the brainstem with a characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance and clinical and radiological responsiveness to glucocorticosteroids. Yet diagnostic biomarkers are missing and other immune-mediated, (para-) infectious and malignant causes mimic CLIPPERS-like MRI presentations. We report the case of a 51-year-old male patient with CLIPPERS who repeatedly responded well to high-dose corticosteroids. After 7 months, however, treatment failed, and he had a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of a CNS B-cell lymphoma. Clinical and MRI signs of CLIPPERS include a wide spectrum of differential diagnoses which often arise only later during the course of disease. Similar to the case presented here, delayed diagnosis and specific therapy may contribute to an unfavorable outcome. Hence, we propose that in the absence of other diagnostic markers, brain biopsy should be performed as early as possible in CLIPPERS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke Galazky
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lars Büntjen
- Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Voges
- Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - I. Erol Sandalcioglu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Institute of Neuropathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
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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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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently described treatable, inflammatory, brainstem predominant encephalomyelitis. The diagnosis of CLIPPERS is challenging without a specific biomarker, and thus it is important to consider if both the clinical and radiographic features are consistent with the diagnosis, or rather a disease mimicker. RECENT FINDINGS Many patients with CLIPPERS-like lesions have been described in the literature with follow-up revealing a range of alternative diagnoses, such as malignancies, vasculitis, and other specific inflammatory diseases. As a result, some have proposed that CLIPPERS might represent a pre-malignancy state or simply an initial clinical syndrome of a variety of possible etiologies. We describe the typical clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of CLIPPERS and emphasize consideration for alternative diagnoses when findings are not classic. A recommended diagnostic evaluation and initial treatment plan is provided.
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CLIPPERS: Cutaneous manifestations. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2018; 20:28-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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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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Reply to CLIPPERS features before, during and after lymphoma. J Neurol Sci 2016; 366:253-254. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Taieb G, Labauge P. CLIPPERS features before, during and after lymphoma. J Neurol Sci 2016; 366:251-252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Nakamura R, Ueno Y, Ando J, Matsuda H, Masuda A, Iiduka K, Shingai N, Takanashi M, Yokoyama K, Komatsu N, Hattori N. Clinical and radiological CLIPPERS features after complete remission of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. J Neurol Sci 2016; 364:6-8. [PMID: 27084205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Nakamura
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yuji Ueno
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Jun Ando
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hironari Matsuda
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Azuchi Masuda
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Iiduka
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Naoki Shingai
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Masashi Takanashi
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Norio Komatsu
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
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Taieb G, Renard D, Joujoux JM, Labauge P. Cutaneous lesions in a CLIPPERS patient: further confusion between CLIPPERS and grade I lymphomatoid granulomatosis. J Cutan Pathol 2014; 41:759-60. [PMID: 24976067 DOI: 10.1111/cup.12367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Taieb
- Department of Neurology, CHU Nîmes, HôpitalCaremeau, Nîmes, France
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