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Wakefield C, Ngo B, Naydin S, Rahme R, Binning M. Intrathecal Nicardipine for Severe Intractable Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Novel Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e42269. [PMID: 37605668 PMCID: PMC10440144 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a poorly understood but increasingly recognized entity, likely multifactorial in nature and characterized by diffuse cerebral vasospasm that presents as sudden, intense, and fluctuating headaches. Due to insufficient evidence, there is currently no consensus on RCVS treatment guidelines. However, nicardipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, may prove effective in RCVS treatment because of its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. We report the concomitant use of intrathecal (IT) nicardipine and continuous intraarterial (IA) nicardipine infusion via microcatheter placed in the intracranial circulation for the treatment of a 58-year-old female with severe refractory RCVS. On presentation, this patient was noted to have a non-traumatic non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to RCVS. Initially managed with oral verapamil, she later developed refractory symptomatic vasoconstriction requiring multiple angiograms for spasmolysis via balloon angioplasty and IA nicardipine. Due to the refractory nature of her spasm despite the IA therapy, we decided to attempt intrathecal nicardipine, starting at 4 mg q12 h via an external ventricular drain. This dose was escalated to 4 mg q6 h. The patient stabilized for 24 h but again decompensated, requiring continuous IA spasmolysis via a microcatheter placed in the left middle cerebral artery and left for continuous IA nicardipine infusion (5 mg/h). The patient showed slow incremental improvement clinically and a decrease in vasospasms on imaging, ultimately suffering minimal stroke burden. This patient's hospital course demonstrates that nicardipine, administered intrathecally or intraarterially, could be beneficial in select patients with refractory RCVS as a means of minimizing repeat angiography/angioplasty. Further studies are needed to better define a treatment paradigm for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Wakefield
- Medical School, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Brendon Ngo
- Interventional Neuroradiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Rudy Rahme
- Neuroscience, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Global Neuroscience Institute, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mandy Binning
- Neuroscience, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Global Neuroscience Institute, Philadelphia, USA
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2
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RCVS: by clinicians for clinicians-a narrative review. J Neurol 2023; 270:673-688. [PMID: 36305970 PMCID: PMC9615630 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11425-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may be underdiagnosed. It can be accompanied by various complications, mainly intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. The clinical presentation of this condition varies according to its localization. The aims of this review are to raise awareness of the disease, especially in the presence of corresponding risk factors; to connect its precipitating factors, pathophysiology, and complications; and to compare various differential diagnoses of vasoconstriction. METHODS A review of the literature in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted from May 1997 until May 2022. RESULTS Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which is a clinical-radiological syndrome, is mainly characterized by the occurrence of thunderclap headache and widespread vasoconstriction. The most common precipitating factors are the use of vasoactive substances and postpartum status. The pathophysiology is currently assumed to include two mechanisms: sympathetic overactivity and endothelial dysfunction. From these mechanisms, it is possible to derive potential complications as well as the most important differential diagnoses: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and primary angiitis of the central nervous system. CONCLUSION In general, the outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is very good. Vasospasm as well as thunderclap headache attacks can be fully reversible, and > 90% of patients are functionally independent at discharge.
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Breville G, Bailly A, Fisch L, Kulcsar Z, Pugin D, Carrera E. Case Report and Review of the Literature: Fatal Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. Front Neurol 2021; 12:589062. [PMID: 33658973 PMCID: PMC7917125 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.589062] [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: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: A fatal outcome occurs in 2% of patients with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). Due to its rarity, guidelines for the management of the most severe forms of RCVS are lacking. Case presentation: Here, we describe the case of a 55 year-old woman who died from complications of RCVS and reviewed patients with fatal outcome reported in the literature. In our patient, the first episode of neurological deterioration was preceded by an increase of cerebral blood flow velocities assessed with transcranial Doppler. A fatal evolution could not be prevented despite therapeutic escalation consisting of multiple non-invasive and invasive treatments including cervical sympathetic bloc and continuous arterial infusion of nimodipine at the site of severe vasoconstriction. Conclusion: This case and the review of literature illustrate the challenges in the management of patients with severe RCVS. We describe here how monitoring of cerebral blood flow might help anticipate clinical worsening at the beginning of the disease and propose novel invasive and non-invasive therapeutic strategies based on monitoring of neurophysiological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Breville
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amelie Bailly
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of APSI, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Loraine Fisch
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Neurovascular Unit, Department of Neurology, Groupement Hospitalier de l'Ouest Lémanique, Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Zsolt Kulcsar
- Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Diagnostic Department, Zurich University Hospitals, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Pugin
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of APSI, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Carrera
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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4
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Sequeiros JM, Roa JA, Sabotin RP, Dandapat S, Ortega-Gutierrez S, Leira EC, Derdeyn CP, Bathla G, Hasan DM, Samaniego EA. Quantifying Intra-Arterial Verapamil Response as a Diagnostic Tool for Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:1869-1875. [PMID: 32943423 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is mounting evidence supporting the benefit of intra-arterial administration of vasodilators in diagnosing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. We prospectively quantified the degree of luminal diameter dilation after intra-arterial administration of verapamil and its accuracy in diagnosing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients suspected of having intracranial arteriopathy on noninvasive imaging and referred for digital subtraction angiography were enrolled in a prospective registry. Intra-arterial verapamil was administered in vascular territories with segmental irregularities. The caliber difference (Caliberpost - Caliberpre) and the proportion of caliber change ([(Caliberpost - Caliberpre)/Caliberpre] × 100%) were used to determine the response to verapamil. The diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome was made on the basis of clinical and imaging features at a follow-up appointment, independent of the reversibility of verapamil. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the best threshold. RESULTS Twenty-six patients were included, and 9 (34.6%) were diagnosed with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A total of 213 vascular segments were assessed on diagnostic angiography. Every patient with a final diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome responded to intra-arterial verapamil. The maximal proportion of change (P < .001), mean proportion of change (P = .002), maximal caliber difference (P = .004), and mean caliber difference (P = .001) were statistically different between patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and other vasculopathies. A maximal proportion of change ≥32% showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.2% to detect reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (area under the curve = 0.951). The Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome-2 score of ≥5 points achieved a lower area under the curve (0.908), with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 94.1%. CONCLUSIONS Objective measurement of the change in the arterial calibers after intra-arterial verapamil is accurate in distinguishing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome from other vasculopathies. A proportion of change ≥32% has the best diagnostic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sequeiros
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - J A Roa
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Neurosurgery (J.A.R., S.O.-G., D.M.H., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - R P Sabotin
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - S Dandapat
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - S Ortega-Gutierrez
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Neurosurgery (J.A.R., S.O.-G., D.M.H., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Radiology (S.O.-G., C.P.D., G.B., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - E C Leira
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - C P Derdeyn
- Department of Radiology (S.O.-G., C.P.D., G.B., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - G Bathla
- Department of Radiology (S.O.-G., C.P.D., G.B., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - D M Hasan
- Department of Neurosurgery (J.A.R., S.O.-G., D.M.H., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - E A Samaniego
- From the Department of Neurology (J.M.S., J.A.R., R.P.S., S.D., S.O.-G., E.C.L., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa .,Department of Neurosurgery (J.A.R., S.O.-G., D.M.H., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Radiology (S.O.-G., C.P.D., G.B., E.A.S.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
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Ott M, Mannchen JK, Jamshidi F, Werneke U. Management of severe arterial hypertension associated with serotonin syndrome: a case report analysis based on systematic review techniques. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125318818814. [PMID: 30886699 PMCID: PMC6413434 DOI: 10.1177/2045125318818814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin syndrome is thought to arise from serotonin excess. In many cases, symptoms are mild and self-limiting. But serotonin syndrome can become life threatening, when neuromuscular hyperexcitability spins out of control. Uncontainable neuromuscular hyperexcitability may lead to cardiovascular complications, linked to extreme changes in blood pressure. Currently, there is little guidance on how to control blood pressure in hyperserotonergic states. We report a case with treatment-resistant arterial hypertension, followed by a clinical review (using systematic review principles and techniques) of the available evidence from case reports published between 2004 and 2016 to identify measures to control arterial hypertension associated with serotonin syndrome. We conclude that classic antihypertensives may not be effective for the treatment of severe hypertension associated with serotonin syndrome. Benzodiazepines may lower blood pressure. Patients with severe hypertension not responding to benzodiazepines may benefit from cyproheptadine, propofol or both. In severe cases, higher cyproheptadine doses than currently recommended may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ott
- Department of Public Health and Clinical
Medicine – Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Julie K. Mannchen
- Department of Public Health and Clinical
Medicine – Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Ursula Werneke
- Sunderby Research Unit, Department of Clinical
Sciences – Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Mortensen JK, Andersen G. Potential Role of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Improving Functional Outcome after Stroke. CNS Drugs 2018; 32:895-903. [PMID: 30225777 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-018-0573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The great advances in acute stroke treatment during the last decades have changed life after stroke considerably. However, the use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy is limited by a relatively narrow time window or contraindications for treatment. Further, patients receiving acute reperfusion therapies may still have cognitive and emotional complications due to underlying brain infarcts even though physical problems may almost disappear. Consequently, stroke is still a frequent cause of adult disability and death worldwide, and an effort to identify additional treatments to enhance recovery, preferably also feasible in the time after the acute phase, is warranted. Albeit several drugs and treatment modalities have been studied for their potential to enhance recovery after stroke, no treatment has unambiguously proven to potentiate the rehabilitation process. A promising candidate for pharmacological treatment is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a group of commonly used antidepressants that may also possess neuro-regenerative properties. The current paper reviews the evidence for SSRIs as potential enhancers of stroke recovery and discusses the potential mechanisms behind the effects reported and the implications for the management of patients post-stoke, including potential adverse events and drug-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grethe Andersen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Suchdev K, Norris G, Zak I, Mohamed W, Ibrahim M. Fulminant Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. Neurohospitalist 2017; 8:NP5-NP8. [PMID: 29276569 DOI: 10.1177/1941874417692923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is increasingly being recognized as a diagnosis in patients presenting with thunderclap headaches. In the vast majority of the cases, the syndrome follows a benign course and patients recover completely without any significant therapeutic intervention. In the rarest of cases, RCVS follows a monophasic course with rapid worsening, severe neurological deficits, and poor outcomes. We present the case of a 25-year-old female who presented with headaches which were worsening over 1 week. She was admitted to the hospital and rapidly worsened to develop severe neurological deficits over the next day. Initial computed tomography scan showed areas of hemorrhage and multiple ischemic strokes. Computed tomography angiogram and a conventional cerebral angiogram both revealed multifocal vasoconstriction, highly suggestive of RCVS. Despite aggressive medical and surgical management, the patient continued to worsen and eventually died. Autopsy findings did not show evidence of vasculopathy or any other underlying disorder, further supporting the diagnosis of RCVS. The RCVS is usually a benign self-remitting condition which commonly affects young females and presents with an insidious onset of headaches. Rarely, it can have a fulminant course with devastating outcomes. This case illustrates an exceptionally uncommon clinical course of RCVS and the challenges in its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushak Suchdev
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gregory Norris
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Imad Zak
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Wazim Mohamed
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mohammed Ibrahim
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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8
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Foote CA, Castorena-Gonzalez JA, Staiculescu MC, Clifford PS, Hill MA, Meininger GA, Martinez-Lemus LA. Brief serotonin exposure initiates arteriolar inward remodeling processes in vivo that involve transglutaminase activation and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 310:H188-98. [PMID: 26566730 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00666.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inward remodeling of the resistance vasculature is strongly associated with life-threatening cardiovascular events. Previous studies have demonstrated that both actin polymerization and the activation of transglutaminases mediate early stages of the transition from a structurally normal vessel to an inwardly remodeled one. Ex vivo studies further suggest that a few hours of exposure to vasoconstrictor agonists induces inward remodeling in the absence of changes in intraluminal pressure. Here we report that a short, 10-min, topical exposure to serotonin (5-HT) + N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) was sufficient to initiate inward remodeling processes in rat cremasteric feed arterioles (100-200 μm lumen diameter), in vivo. Addition of the transglutaminase inhibitor, cystamine, blocked the in vivo remodeling. We further demonstrate that, in isolated arterioles, 5-HT + l-NAME activates transglutaminases and modulates the phosphorylation state of cofilin, a regulator of actin depolymerization. The 5-HT + l-NAME-induced remodeling process in isolated arterioles was also inhibited by an inhibitor of Lim Kinase, the kinase that phosphorylates and inactivates cofilin. Therefore, our results indicate that a brief vasoconstriction induced by 5-HT + l-NAME is able to reduce the passive structural diameter of arterioles through processes that are dependent on the activation of transglutaminases and Lim kinase, and the subsequent phosphorylation of cofilin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Foote
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jorge A Castorena-Gonzalez
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Biological Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; and
| | - Marius C Staiculescu
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Philip S Clifford
- College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael A Hill
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Gerald A Meininger
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Luis A Martinez-Lemus
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, and Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Biological Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; and
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Miller TR, Shivashankar R, Mossa-Basha M, Gandhi D. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome, Part 1: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Course. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1392-9. [PMID: 25593203 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a clinical and radiologic syndrome that represents a common presentation of a diverse group of disorders. The syndrome is characterized by thunderclap headache and reversible vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, which can either be spontaneous or related to an exogenous trigger. The pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is unknown, though alterations in cerebral vascular tone are thought to be a key underlying mechanism. The syndrome typically follows a benign course; however, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may result in permanent disability or death in a small minority of patients secondary to complications such as ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Miller
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R Shivashankar
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Mossa-Basha
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology (M.M.-B.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - D Gandhi
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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