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Khan A, Khan MM, Al-Bozom IA, Baregzai Y, Ibrahim W, Hammadi F. The Elusive SLIPPERS Syndrome (Supratentorial Lymphocytic Inflammation with Parenchymal Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids): A Case Report and Literature Review. Int Med Case Rep J 2023; 16:357-361. [PMID: 37324164 PMCID: PMC10266482 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s411204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In 2015, the term "SLIPPERS" was created to refer to a rare type of encephalomyelitis called CLIPPERS syndrome that affects the pons and sometimes other nearby structures, but in this case, it primarily affects the supratentorial region. This variation of the condition is responsive to treatment with steroids. Case Description We report the case of a patient who presented with seizures and visual field deficit and had typical radiological and histopathological characteristics of SLIPPERS syndrome. Conclusion Although the literature is inundated with CLIPPERS syndrome, its supratentorial variant is extremely rare. To our knowledge, this is fourth case of SLIPPERS syndrome to be reported in literature and serves to enhance clinicopathological understanding of this elusive entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Mohsin Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Issam A Al-Bozom
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Younis Baregzai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wanis Ibrahim
- Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Firas Hammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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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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Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids May Extend above and below Pons and Is Associated with Other Autoimmune Diseases. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111120. [PMID: 34832996 PMCID: PMC8621219 DOI: 10.3390/life11111120] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many autoimmune diseases can affect the central nervous system, and their varying clinical presentations often confound a straightforward diagnosis. In this report, we describe a unique presentation of CLIPPERS syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first case to demonstrate significant supratentorial involvement with symmetric and non-confluent lesions in the medial orbitofrontal cortex; additionally, this is the second case to describe an association between diagnoses of hypothyroidism and CLIPPERS.
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Axelerad AD, Stroe AZ, Mihai C, Frecus C, Jianu DC, Axelerad DD, Gogu AE. CLIPPERS, chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids: A challenge in neurological practice, clinical landmarks (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1191. [PMID: 34475981 PMCID: PMC8406757 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a relatively newly discovered and characterized condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS) that involves the brainstem almost ubiquitously and that focuses primarily on the pons. Characteristically, CLIPPERS represents a combination of clinical symptoms related to the pathology of the brainstem in particular and has a characteristic appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement 'peppering' the pons. The lesions can be viewed via neuroimaging with a predominance in the pons and adjacent rhombencephalic structures, such as the cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, medulla, and middle brain. These lesions may also spread and appear in other areas of the brain such as the thalamus or white matter. As the name suggests, this clinical syndrome responds to immunosuppressive treatment based on glucocorticosteroids (GCSs), expressed as both clinical and radiological improvements. Support for this treatment is required for a long period, since exacerbations may occur without. Thus, the diagnosis of CLIPPERS has garnered increased attention from clinicians and the active exclusion of differential alternative diagnoses is needed. A specific biomarker of serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for this condition has not been discovered. The pathophysiology of this condition is not fully elucidated, and it is not yet clear whether CLIPPERS is a disease in its own right or is the culmination of several already known syndromes. Clinicians and radiologists should pay close attention to this condition as it is relatively easy to treat and patients can benefit from the early introduction of GCSs, which can produce significant results through long-term immunosuppression. Taking into account previous reports in the literature, which currently include over 50 cases reported as CLIPPERS, this analysis addressed the clinical features, and paraclinical and differential diagnoses of cases described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Any Docu Axelerad
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Neurology Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Alina Zorina Stroe
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Neurology Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihai
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Corina Frecus
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of General Medicine, ‘Ovidius’ University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania
- Pediatrics Department, County Emergency Clinical Hospital ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Dragos Catalin Jianu
- Department of Neurology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Anca Elena Gogu
- Department of Neurology, ‘Victor Babes’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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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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Zhang L, Liu XH, Jin F, Liu MX, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zhou DB, Zhang W. Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) associated with or without lymphoma: Comparison of clinical features and risk factors suggestive of underlying lymphomas. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 66:156-164. [PMID: 31088767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We studied patients with chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) associated with or without lymphoma and measured risk factors suggestive of an underlying lymphoma and follow-up outcomes. METHODS CLIPPERS patients associated with or without lymphoma were included into this study. Clinical presentations were documented, risk factors suggestive of an underlying lymphoma were tested, and prognostic differences in terms of death were compared. RESULTS Ten patients had a diagnosis of CLIPPERS associated with lymphoma, with 6 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 2 T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 2 Hodgkin lymphoma. Using multivariate logistic analysis, the following 3 independent risk factors were found to be related to a final diagnosis of lymphoma: hyperreflexia (HR 16.56; 95% CI 1.03-265.29; p = 0.032), elevated protein in CSF (HR 11.59; 95% CI 1.24-108.39; p = 0.047), and recurrences between 2 months and 1 year after treatment (HR 29.27; 95% CI 2.09-409.58; p = 0.012). The model calibration was satisfactory (p = 0.392 with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test), and the discrimination power was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.921; p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.826-1.000). Patients with CLIPPERS associated with lymphoma had higher mortality rate and lymphoma was a significant predictor of total mortality (HR 0.040; 95% CI 0.006-0.262; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Hyperreflexia, elevated protein in CSF and recurrences between 2 months and 1 year after treatment are risk factors suggesting an underlying lymphoma. Relapses during high-dose steroids maintenance therapy can be indicative of lymphoma, too. Patients having CLIPPERS associated with lymphoma have a worse prognosis than those without lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiao-Hang Liu
- Dept. of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Fan Jin
- Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Mei-Xi Liu
- Dept. of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dao-Bin Zhou
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Dept. of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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7
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Nemani T, Udwadia-Hegde A, Keni Karnavat P, Kashikar R, Epari S. CLIPPERS Spectrum Disorder: A Rare Pediatric Neuroinflammatory Condition. Child Neurol Open 2019; 6:2329048X19831096. [PMID: 30873425 PMCID: PMC6407169 DOI: 10.1177/2329048x19831096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CLIPPERS (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids) is a recently described, rare neuroinflammatory disorder diagnosed by clinical symptoms involving the brain stem with a distinct pattern on neuroimaging and a perivascular T-lymphocyte infiltrate on brain biopsy. It is a condition usually described in adults in the fourth to fifth decade. We report a case of 13-year-old Indian boy who presented with recurrent episodes of ataxia and diplopia with onset at 7 years of age. He was investigated extensively to rule out infective, neoplastic, autoimmune, and demyelinating conditions over a span of 6 years. The diagnosis of CLIPPERS was entertained on the basis of clinico-radio-pathological correlation. Treatment with steroids and steroid-sparing agents, particularly methotrexate, seems to provide a promising outcome. With very few cases in literature so far, reporting of a larger case series with pediatric onset may expand it to CLIPPERS spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarishi Nemani
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Anaita Udwadia-Hegde
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Purva Keni Karnavat
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Ritu Kashikar
- Department of Radiology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Shridhar Epari
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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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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Abstract
The practice of autoimmune neurology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of neurological conditions driven by abnormal immune responses directed against neural tissues. These include autoimmune, paraneoplastic, postinfectious, and iatrogenic conditions. Symptoms of autoimmune neurologic disorders can be diverse and often difficult to recognize in their early stages, complicating the diagnosis. This review discusses the classification and management of common autoimmune neurological conditions, placing an emphasis on the rapid identification of autoimmune etiology and mechanism of immune dysfunction to allow for the timely institution of appropriate treatment.
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Sivertseva SA, Sivertsev MY, Bazhukhin DV, Vorobev DP, Boyko AN. [Syndrome CLIPPERS (literature review and a case report)]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 117:24-34. [PMID: 29359730 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201711710224-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a brief literature review on chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) syndrome. Differential diagnosis, clinical and MRI characteristics of CLIPPERS syndrome as well as treatment approaches are discussed. The authors present a case of a 56-year old patient with CLIPPERS syndrome in West Siberia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Sivertseva
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia; Tyumen Regional Center of Multiple Sclerosis 'Neftyanik', Tyumen, Russia
| | - M Yu Sivertsev
- Noginsk Consultation and Diagnostic Polyclinic, Tyumen, Russia
| | - D V Bazhukhin
- Tyumen Regional Center of Multiple Sclerosis 'Neftyanik', Tyumen, Russia
| | - D P Vorobev
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - A N Boyko
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Lane C, Phadke R, Howard R. An extended chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids phenotype. BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014:bcr-2014-204117. [PMID: 24966263 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-204117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently described central nervous system inflammatory condition. In this case report we describe a patient initially with features consistent with this syndrome, who represented with seizures (not previously reported in this syndrome) and corresponding prominent cortical involvement on imaging (also not previously noted). Owing to diagnostic uncertainty, cerebral biopsy was performed revealing histology consistent with CLIPPERS, excluding other differentials. Following a further brainstem relapse, this patient was treated with high-dose steroids, subsequently switched to a tapering oral regime and now, azathioprine, a steroid-sparing agent. She remains well on this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Lane
- Department of Neurology, Guys and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rahul Phadke
- Department of Neuropathology, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Robin Howard
- Department of Neurology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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Dudesek A, Rimmele F, Tesar S, Kolbaske S, Rommer PS, Benecke R, Zettl UK. CLIPPERS: chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids. Review of an increasingly recognized entity within the spectrum of inflammatory central nervous system disorders. Clin Exp Immunol 2014; 175:385-96. [PMID: 24028073 DOI: 10.1111/cei.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently defined inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) disorder, prominently involving the brainstem and in particular the pons. The condition features a combination of clinical symptoms essentially referable to brainstem pathology and a characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance with punctate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement 'peppering' the pons. The radiological distribution is focused in the pons and adjacent rhombencephalic structures such as the cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, medulla and the midbrain. While the lesion burden with a perivascular pattern is typically most dense in these pontine and peripontine regions, enhancing lesions may additionally extend into the spinal cord and supratentorial structures such as the thalamus, basal ganglia, capsula interna, corpus callosum and the cerebral white matter. Another core feature is clinical and radiological responsiveness to glucocorticosteroid (GCS)-based immunosuppression. As withdrawal of GCS treatment results commonly in disease exacerbation, long-term immunosuppressive therapy appears to be mandatory for sustained improvement. Diagnosis of CLIPPERS is challenging, and requires careful exclusion of alternative diagnoses. A specific serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker for the disorder is currently not known. Pathogenesis of CLIPPERS remains poorly understood, and the nosological position of CLIPPERS has still to be established. Whether CLIPPERS represents an independent, actual new disorder or a syndrome that includes aetiologically heterogeneous diseases and/or their prestages remains a debated and not finally clarified issue. Clinicians and radiologists should be aware of this condition and its differential diagnoses, given that CLIPPERS constitutes a treatable condition and that patients may benefit from an early introduction of GCS ensued by long-term immunosuppression. Based on previous reports in literature - currently encompassing more than 50 reported cases of CLIPPERS - this review addresses clinical features, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses and therapeutic management of this peculiar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dudesek
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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CLIPPERS With Chronic Small Vessel Damage: More Overlap With Small Vessel Vasculitis? J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2014; 73:262-7. [DOI: 10.1097/nen.0000000000000050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Suer D, Yusifova L, Arsava EM, Ekinci G, Us O, Uluc K. A Case Report of CLIPPERS (Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation with Pontocerebellar Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids) Syndrome. Clin Neuroradiol 2013; 25:61-3. [DOI: 10.1007/s00062-013-0260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Need for prolonged immunosupressive therapy in CLIPPERS--a case report. BMC Neurol 2013; 13:49. [PMID: 23706003 PMCID: PMC3669048 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) was first described in 2010 by Pittock and colleagues. All reported patients presented with diplopia and gait ataxia and had similar typical MRI findings with punctuate gadolinium enhancement of the pons. Alternative diagnoses were excluded by means of laboratory, radiological and histological tests. All patients were successfully treated with steroids. We present a case in which the steroid therapy was switched to long term immunosuppressive therapy, leading to several severe side-effects, but sustained clinical improvement. Case presentation A 63-year-old male presented with sub-acute diplopia and progressive gait ataxia. During admission his neurological condition worsened and he developed multiple cranial nerve deficits, paraparesis and urine retention. MRI-findings were remarkable with punctuate enhancement with gadolinium of the pons. Cerebrospinal fluid only showed elevated protein levels and all other additional investigations were normal. The probable diagnosis of CLIPPERS was made and intravenous corticosteroids were administered. This led to rapid clinical recovery and decreased enhancement on the MRI-scan. Long-term oral immunosuppressive therapy was started. One-and-a-half year later our patient has no recurrence of neurological symptoms, however due to the side effects of the immunosuppressive therapy he was readmitted several times. Conclusion CLIPPERS presents with distinctive clinical and MRI-findings and may be diagnosed after excluding other differential diagnoses. Patients are treated with corticosteroids with good clinical results. Since short term glucocorticoid treatment results into relapse of the disease, longer term immunosuppressive therapy appears to be mandatory for sustained improvement, although accompanied by severe side effects.
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