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Koncz R, Say MJ, Gleason A, Hardy TA. The neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations of Susac syndrome: a brief review of the literature and future directions. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07672-9. [PMID: 38954275 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07672-9] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Encephalopathy is part of the clinical triad of Susac syndrome, but a detailed understanding of the neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric profile of this condition is lacking. Existing literature indicates that cognitive deficits range in severity from subtle to profound. Executive function and short-term recall are affected frequently. Psychiatric manifestations may be absent or may include anxiety, mood disorders or psychosis. If psychiatric phenomena develop during the disease course, it can be hard to disentangle whether symptoms directly relate to the pathology of Susac syndrome or are secondary to treatment-related side effects. In this article, we review what is known about the cognitive and psychiatric morbidity of Susac syndrome and identify areas where knowledge is deficient. Importantly, we also provide a framework for future research, arguing that better phenotyping, understanding of pathophysiology, evaluation of treatments on cognitive and psychiatric outcomes, and longitudinal data capture are vital to improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Koncz
- The University of Sydney Specialty of Psychiatry, Concord, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Psychiatry, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia.
| | - Miranda J Say
- Department of Psychology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Gleason
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Todd A Hardy
- Department of Neurology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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2
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Piura Y, Bregman N, Kavé G, Karni A, Kolb H, Vigiser I, Day GS, Lopez-Chiriboga S, Shiner T, Regev K. Long-term cognitive outcomes in Susac syndrome: A case series. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 393:578396. [PMID: 38908330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578396] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Susac syndrome (SuS) presents with encephalopathy, visual disturbances, and hearing loss from immune-mediated microvascular occlusion. While acute SuS is well-described, long-term cognitive outcomes with current treatments are underknown. We assessed ten SuS patients treated in accordance with evidence-based guidelines using immunotherapies targeting humoral and cell-mediated pathways. Patients were followed for a median 3.6 years. Initially, cognition inversely correlated with corpus callosum lesions on MRI. All reported cognitive improvement; 5/10 patients had residual deficits in visual attention and executive function. Early, aggressive treatment was associated with good outcomes; extensive early corpus callosum lesions may identify patients at-risk of persistent cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Piura
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cognitive Neurology Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Noa Bregman
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cognitive Neurology Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gitit Kavé
- Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University of Israel, Ra'anana, Israel; Cognitive Neurology Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arnon Karni
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Kolb
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ifat Vigiser
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gregory S Day
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Tamara Shiner
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cognitive Neurology Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Regev
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Comer JD, Capizzano AA. Uncommon and Miscellaneous Inflammatory Disorders of the Brain and Spine. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:277-287. [PMID: 38555141 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.01.006] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory disorders of the brain and spine have a highly variable MRI appearance, often demonstrating significant overlap in imaging features. The resulting diagnostic dilemma is particularly challenging when considering the more uncommon neuroinflammatory entities. Diligent examination of the salient clinical presentation and signal alteration on imaging examination is necessary when considering neuroinflammation as a diagnostic possibility and may aid in raising suspicion for a particular neuroinflammatory entity. This article reviews a selection of uncommon and miscellaneous inflammatory disorders of the brain and spine to raise awareness of the clinical and imaging features that may assist in this challenging diagnostic task.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Comer
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, B2-A209 UH, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Aristides A Capizzano
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, B2-A209 UH, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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4
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Wilf-Yarkoni A, Zmira O, Tolkovsky A, Pflantzer B, Gofrit SG, Kleffner I, Paul F, Dörr J. Clinical Characterization and Ancillary Tests in Susac Syndrome: A Systematic Review. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200209. [PMID: 38364193 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Susac syndrome (SuS) is an orphan microangiopathic disease characterized by a triad of encephalopathy, visual disturbances due to branch retinal artery occlusions, and sensorineuronal hearing loss. Our previous systematic review on all cases of SuS reported until 2012 allowed for a better understanding of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings. Based on these data, we suggested diagnostic criteria in 2016 to allow early diagnosis and treatment of SuS. In view of the accumulation of new SuS cases reported in the last 10 years and improved diagnostic tools, we here aimed at updating the demographic and clinical features of SuS and to review the updated ancillary tests being used for SuS diagnosis. Therefore, based on the 2016 criteria, we systematically collected and evaluated data on SuS published from January 2013 to March 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Wilf-Yarkoni
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Ofir Zmira
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Assaf Tolkovsky
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Barak Pflantzer
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Shany G Gofrit
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Ilka Kleffner
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Jan Dörr
- From the Departmet of Neurology (A.W.-Y., A.T.), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery (A.W.-Y., A.T., B.P., S.G.G.), Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera; Department of Neurology (O.Z.), Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa; Department of Neurology (B.P., S.G.G.), Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Department of Neurology (I.K.), University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.P., J.D.), Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin; and Multiple Sclerosis Center (J.D.), Neurology Department, Oberhavel Kliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
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5
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Van Vrekhem T, Miatton M, Hemelsoet D, Van Hijfte L, Dekeyser C, De Zaeytijd J, Van Driessche V, Van Hoecke H, Maes L, Laureys G. Cognitive outcomes in Susac syndrome: A 2-year neuropsychological follow-up study. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16186. [PMID: 38308420 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16186] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare, autoimmune, neurological disease characterized by a clinical triad of branch retinal artery occlusion, sensorineural hearing loss and encephalopathy. Neuropsychological functioning in SuS is little researched and the prevalence, nature, and evolution over time of cognitive deficits in SuS remain unclear. This study aimed to better understand the long-term neuropsychological outcomes of patients with SuS. METHODS Thirteen patients with SuS (mean [SD] age 39.5 [11.1] years) were enrolled at the Ghent University Hospital by their treating neurologist. The cognitive functioning and emotional well-being of each patient was evaluated by means of a thorough neuropsychological test battery at baseline and after 2 years. Follow-up testing after 2 years was performed in 11 patients (mean [SD] age 42.2 [11.5] years). RESULTS Patients showed normal neuropsychological test results at a group level, both at baseline and follow-up testing. Significant improvements over time were found for information processing speed, verbal recognition, and semantic and phonological fluency. Individual test results showed interindividual variability at baseline, with most impairments being in attention, executive functioning and language, which improved after a 2-year period. In addition, patients reported significantly lower mental and physical well-being, both at baseline and follow-up testing. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that neuropsychological dysfunction in SuS is limited at a group level and improves over time. Nonetheless, individual test results reveal interindividual variability, making cognitive screening essential. Furthermore, a high psycho-emotional burden of the disease was reported, for which screening and follow-up are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marijke Miatton
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Julie De Zaeytijd
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Helen Van Hoecke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leen Maes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Laureys
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Cviková M, Štefela J, Všianský V, Dufek M, Doležalová I, Vinklárek J, Herzig R, Zemanová M, Červeňák V, Brichta J, Bárková V, Kouřil D, Aulický P, Filip P, Weiss V. Case report: Susac syndrome-two ends of the spectrum, single center case reports and review of the literature. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1339438. [PMID: 38434197 PMCID: PMC10904644 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1339438] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Susac syndrome is a rare and enigmatic complex neurological disorder primarily affecting small blood vessels in the brain, retina, and inner ear. Diagnosing Susac syndrome may be extremely challenging not only due to its rarity, but also due to the variability of its clinical presentation. This paper describes two vastly different cases-one with mild symptoms and good response to therapy, the other with severe, complicated course, relapses and long-term sequelae despite multiple therapeutic interventions. Building upon the available guidelines, we highlight the utility of black blood MRI in this disease and provide a comprehensive review of available clinical experience in clinical presentation, diagnosis and therapy of this disease. Despite its rarity, the awareness of Susac syndrome may be of uttermost importance since it ultimately is a treatable condition. If diagnosed in a timely manner, early intervention can substantially improve the outcomes of our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cviková
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jakub Štefela
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vít Všianský
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Michal Dufek
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Irena Doležalová
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Vinklárek
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Roman Herzig
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Charles University Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Markéta Zemanová
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Červeňák
- Department of Medical Imaging, St. Anne’s University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jaroslav Brichta
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Bárková
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - David Kouřil
- Department of Neurology, Blansko Hospital, Blansko, Czechia
| | - Petr Aulický
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of the Brothers of Charity Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Filip
- Department of Neurology, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Viktor Weiss
- Department of Neurology, St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno and Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Neurology, Charles University Faculty of Medicine, Hradec Králové, Czechia
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7
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Bose S, Papathanasiou A, Karkhanis S, Appleton JP, King D, Batra R, Mollan SP, Jacob S. Susac syndrome: neurological update (clinical features, long-term observational follow-up and management of sixteen patients). J Neurol 2023; 270:6193-6206. [PMID: 37608221 PMCID: PMC10632257 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11891-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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Susac syndrome is a likely autoimmune microangiopathy affecting the brain, retina and inner ear. Due to the rarity of this condition, diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. Diagnosis is based on the presence of the clinical triad of central nervous system dysfunction, branch retinal artery occlusions and sensorineural hearing loss. Typical MRI findings of callosal and peri-callosal lesions may assist in diagnosis. Clinical course can be monophasic, polycyclic or chronic continuous. It is important to look out for red flags to attain an accurate diagnosis and follow a therapeutic algorithm based on severity of the disease and response to treatment. Patients are treated with steroids and immunosuppressive agents with a variable response. Early aggressive treatment especially in severe cases, may help in preventing relapses and morbidity/disability. This study highlights important diagnostic features and proposes a treatment algorithm based on clinical experience from management of 16 patients from 2 neuroscience centres in the UK since 2007, who were followed up over a long period of 3-15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Bose
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | | | - Sameep Karkhanis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Jason P Appleton
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Dental and Medical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Dominic King
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Ruchika Batra
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Saiju Jacob
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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8
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Bullock DR, Spencer RT, Vehe RK, Srivastava S, Rennebohm RM. Use of disease assessment tools to increase the value of case reports on Susac syndrome: two case reports. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:158. [PMID: 37046335 PMCID: PMC10097450 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03838-9] [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: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Susac syndrome is an immune-mediated, ischemia-producing, occlusive microvascular endotheliopathy that threatens the brain, retina, and inner ear. There is a need for disease assessment tools that can help clinicians and patients to more easily, accurately, and uniformly track the clinical course and outcome of Susac syndrome. Ideally, such tools should simultaneously facilitate the clinical care and study of Susac syndrome and improve the value of future case reports. To meet this need, two novel clinical assessment tools were developed: the Susac Symptoms Form and the Susac Disease Damage Score. The former is a comprehensive self-report form that is completed by patients/families to serially document the clinical status of a patient. The latter documents the extent of damage perceived by individual patients/families and their physicians. Both forms were initially trialed with two particularly representative and instructive patients. The results of this trial are shared in this report. CASE PRESENTATION Patient 1 is a 21-year-old Caucasian female who presented with an acute onset of headache, paresthesias, cognitive dysfunction, and emotional lability. Patient 2 is a 14-year-old Caucasian female who presented with an acute onset of headache, cognitive dysfunction, urinary incontinence, ataxia, and personality change. Both patients fulfilled criteria for a definite diagnosis of Susac syndrome: both eventually developed brain, retinal, and inner ear involvement, and both had typical "snowball lesions" on magnetic resonance imaging. The Susac Symptoms Form documented initial improvement in both patients, was sufficiently sensitive in detecting a subsequent relapse in the second patient, and succinctly documented the long-term clinical course in both patients. The Disease Damage Score documented minimal disease damage in the first patient and more significant damage in the second. CONCLUSIONS The Susac Symptoms Form and the Disease Damage Score are useful disease assessment tools, both for clinical care and research purposes. Their use could enhance the value of future case reports on Susac syndrome and could improve opportunities to learn from a series of such reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Bullock
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, East Bldg Rm M668, 2450 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Robert T Spencer
- Colorado Arthritis Center, Rheumatology, 401 E Hampden Ave, Suite 410, Englewood, CO, 80113, USA
| | - Richard K Vehe
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, East Bldg Rm M668, 2450 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Sunil Srivastava
- Ophthalmology Department, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 2022 E 105th St, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Robert M Rennebohm
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Institute of Pediatrics, Formerly at the Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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9
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Masjuan M, Ivanovski T, Sarasibar Ezcurra H, Rigo Oliver E. Behavioral Impairment and Amnesia at the Onset of Susac Syndrome. Cureus 2023; 15:e38089. [PMID: 37252530 PMCID: PMC10209653 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Susac syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune microangiopathy that affects the brain, retina, and inner ear, causing a wide range of clinical manifestations. The triad of encephalopathy, visual disturbances, and hearing loss constitute the classic disease presentation. We describe an original clinical case of a young male with a definitive diagnosis of SS, who presented with disordered behavior and amnesia, initially manifested as a dissociative or anxiety disorder but with a fulminant evolution toward severe encephalopathy associated with retinal infarcts and sensorineural hearing loss. After the diagnosis of SS, aggressive immunosuppressive treatment was started with significant neurological improvement and favorable evolution during the follow-up period. SS is a rare but potentially devastating disease that can cause great disability if not properly diagnosed and treated. The onset of SS with behavioral or psychiatric manifestation can be misleading, causing a diagnostic delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Masjuan
- Neurology, Hospital Universitario Son Llatzer, Palma de Mallorca, ESP
| | - Trajche Ivanovski
- Neurology, Hospital Universitario Son Llatzer, Palma de Mallorca, ESP
| | | | - Elena Rigo Oliver
- Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Son Llatzer, Palma de Mallorca, ESP
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10
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Susac Syndrome: Description of a Single-Centre Case Series. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216549. [PMID: 36362776 PMCID: PMC9656090 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the clinical characteristics, diagnostic results, treatment regimens, and clinical course of a cohort of patients with Susac syndrome (SS). It is a retrospective observational study of all patients with the diagnosis of SS evaluated at the Hospital Clinic (Barcelona, Spain) between March 2006 and November 2020. Nine patients were diagnosed with SS. The median time from the onset of the symptoms to diagnosis was five months (IQR 9.0), and the median follow-up time was 44 months (IQR 63.5). There was no clear predominance of sex, and mean age of symptoms onset was 36 years (range 19–59). Six patients (67%) presented with incomplete classical clinical triad, but this eventually developed in six patients during the disease course. Encephalopathy, focal neurological signs, visual disturbances, and hearing loss were the most frequent manifestations. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed callosal lesions in all patients. Most were in remission within two years. Only four patients met the proposed criteria for definite SS. When SS is suspected, a detailed diagnostic workup should be performed and repeated over time to identify the clinical manifestations that will lead to a definite diagnosis.
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11
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Characteristics and management of Susac syndrome in an emergent country: a multi-center case series from Brazil. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:6449-6460. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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12
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Bhatia S, Sharma D, Bahl VJ, Sharma M, Gupta V, Nanda MS, Thakur P, Kotwal S. Susac Syndrome: A Rare cause of Bilateral Sensorineural hearing loss from North India—A Case Report with Review of literature. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:196-204. [DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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13
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Susac syndrome: A scoping review. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103097. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Triplett JD, Qiu J, O'Brien B, Gopinath S, Trewin B, Spring PJ, Shaffi M, Ip J, Chan F, Chen L, Wilson I, Muller C, Beadnall HN, Boggild M, Van der Walt A, Roxburgh R, Seery N, Kalincik T, Barnett MH, Parratt JDE, Reddel SW, Tsang B, Hardy TA. Diagnosis, differential diagnosis and misdiagnosis of Susac syndrome. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:1771-1781. [PMID: 35262238 PMCID: PMC9314104 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Susac syndrome (SuS) is an inflammatory condition of the brain, eye and ear. Diagnosis can be challenging, and misdiagnosis is common. Methods This is a retrospective review of the medical records of 32 adult patients from an Australasian cohort of SuS patients. Results An alternative diagnosis prior to SuS was made in 30 patients (94%) with seven patients receiving two or more diagnoses. The median time to diagnosis of SuS was 3 months (range 0.5–100 months). The commonest misdiagnoses were migraine in 10 patients (31%), cerebral vasculitis in six (19%), multiple sclerosis in five (16%) and stroke in five (16%). Twenty‐two patients were treated for alternative diagnoses, 10 of whom had further clinical manifestations prior to SuS diagnosis. At presentation seven patients (22%) met criteria for definite SuS, 19 (59%) for probable SuS and six (19%) for possible SuS. Six patients (19%) presented with brain–eye–ear involvement, 14 with brain–ear (44%), six with brain–eye (19%) and six (19%) with only brain involvement. In patients with the complete triad of symptoms the median delay to diagnosis was 3 months (range 1–9 months) compared to 5.25 months (range 0.5–100 months) for patients with encephalopathy and ocular symptoms at presentation. Conclusions Susac syndrome patients are frequently misdiagnosed at initial presentation, despite many having symptoms or radiological features that are red flags for the diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis can lead to patient morbidity. The varied ways in which SuS can present, and clinician failure to consider or recognize SuS, appear to be the main factors leading to misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Triplett
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Billy O'Brien
- Department of Neurology, Gosford Hospital, Gosford, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumana Gopinath
- Department of Neurology, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin Trewin
- Department of Neurology, Campbelltown Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Penelope J Spring
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jerome Ip
- Section of Neurology, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fiona Chan
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Luke Chen
- Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Ian Wilson
- Department of Neurology, Cairns Hospital, Cairns, Qld, Australia
| | - Claire Muller
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Heidi N Beadnall
- Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mike Boggild
- Department of Neurology, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Anneke Van der Walt
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Richard Roxburgh
- Department of Neurology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nabil Seery
- MS Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- MS Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael H Barnett
- Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John D E Parratt
- Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen W Reddel
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Neurology, Sunshine Coast Hospital, Sunshine Coast, Qld, Australia
| | - Todd A Hardy
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Raymaekers V, D'hulst S, Herijgers D, Vercammen J, Fabry A, Dutoit J, D'Heygere E, Vancaester E, Vanderdonckt P. Susac syndrome complicating a SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Neurovirol 2021; 27:954-959. [PMID: 34735693 PMCID: PMC8567974 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-021-01022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In 2020 the world was captivated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Current scientific evidence suggests an interaction of SARS-CoV-2 and the human immune system. Multiple cases were reported of patients with COVID-19 presenting with encephalopathy, confusion or agitation, stroke, and other neurologic symptoms. We present a case of a 40-year-old man diagnosed with Susac syndrome after COVID-19, presenting with acute sensorineural hearing loss, encephalopathy, a splenial "snowball-like" lesion, and branch retinal artery occlusions with distal arterial wall hyperintensity. Although the pathophysiology of Susac syndrome remains unclear, this case is in line with the ongoing debate about the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on the human immune system. Corticosteroid treatment was initiated, followed by two treatments with rituximab, with clinical improvement of the symptomatology. Maintenance treatment currently consists of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Future research will need to focus on the underlying mechanisms for COVID-19-associated (autoimmune) complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Annelies Fabry
- Department of Ophthalmology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Julie Dutoit
- Department of Radiology, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel D'Heygere
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium
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Susac syndrome with cognitive impairment - case report of 31-year-old woman. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/cpp-2021-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare immune-mediated disease caused by occlusions of microvessels in the brain, retina and inner ear. It is characterized by the clinical triad of encephalopathy, visual disturbances and hearing loss. The diagnosis of SuS is based mainly on the clinical symptoms and the supporting tests in which characteristic changes occur in the MRI.
Case report: Here, we present a case of a patient with possible SuS with psychiatric symptoms. A 31-year-old woman was admitted to the Department of Psychiatry due to deteriorating mental health for several weeks manifested as a negative mood and suicidal thoughts. During hospitalization, a neurological consultation was conducted, in which the patient was identified as conscious, psychomotor sluggish, with impaired verbal contact and persistent hearing and vision impairment. Cross-sectional assessment of cognitive functions revealed that the patient had a generalized syndrome of neuropsychological deficits, which confirms the diagnosis of dementia.
Discussion: This case summary provides an example of a woman diagnosed with SuS manifested as a cognitive impairment with associated vision and hearing deterioration. It is worth emphasizing the fact that such presentation of the triad of at disease onset is rare. The characteristics of the organic changes in the brain described in the MRI probably explain the symptoms described in that case. The prognosis of SuS depends on early diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions: A diagnosis of SuS should always be considered in the presence of nonspecific neuropsychiatric symptoms and progressive multifocal neurological symptoms, hearing loss, and visual impairment. An important fact is that the typical triad of SuS symptoms in most cases does not occur simultaneously, which makes the diagnostic process very difficult and may lead to misdiagnosis.
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17
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Manifestation of Susac syndrome during interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate treatment for misdiagnosed multiple sclerosis: a case report. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:352. [PMID: 34592956 PMCID: PMC8481314 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-02101-3] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Susac syndrome (SS) is characterized by the triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion, and sensorineural hearing loss. However, the diagnosis of SS remains difficult because the clinical triad rarely occurs at disease onset, and symptom severity varies. SS symptoms often suggest other diseases, in particular multiple sclerosis (MS), which is more common. Misdiagnosing SS as MS may cause serious complications because MS drugs, such as interferon beta-1a, can worsen the course of SS. This case report confirms previous reports that the use of interferon beta-1a in the course of misdiagnosed MS may lead to exacerbation of SS. Moreover, our case report shows that glatiramer acetate may also exacerbate the course of SS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of exacerbation of SS by glatiramer acetate. Case presentation We present a case report of a patient with a primary diagnosis of MS who developed symptoms of SS during interferon beta-1a treatment for MS; these symptoms were resolved after the discontinuation of the treatment. Upon initiation of glatiramer acetate treatment, the patient developed the full clinical triad of SS. The diagnosis of MS was excluded, and glatiramer acetate therapy was discontinued. The patient’s neurological state improved only after the use of a combination of corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and azathioprine. Conclusions The coincidence of SS signs and symptoms with treatment for MS, first with interferon beta-1a and then with glatiramer acetate, suggests that these drugs may influence the course of SS. This case report indicates that treatment with glatiramer acetate may modulate or even exacerbate the course of SS.
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Scheifer C, Henry Feugeas MC, Roriz M, Cohen Aubart F, Doan S, Jouvent E, Klein I, Machado C, Rouzaud D, Papo T, Sacré K. Brain magnetic resonance imaging lesion load at diagnosis, severity at onset and outcomes in Susac syndrome: A prospective cohort study. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:121-129. [PMID: 34382290 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare occlusive microvessel disease of the brain, retina and inner ear. We aimed to determine whether brain lesion load at the acute phase predicts poor outcomes in SuS. METHODS A prospective national cohort study was conducted from December 2012 to December 2019 in 20 centres in France. Patients included at the principal investigator's center with available brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis were analyzed. MRI was reviewed by an experienced neuroradiologist blinded to clinical status. The size, topography and number of hyperintense lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI-HL) were analyzed at diagnosis and during follow-up. Outcomes involved descriptive characteristics of patients at onset and last follow-up. RESULTS Twenty-three patients (38.1 [18.8-56.5] years, 16 females) were prospectively studied. The triad (i.e., brain, eye and ear involvement) was complete at onset in 17 patients. Brain MRI was performed 1.1 (0.1-3.4) months after the first symptom. All patients had DWI-HL at the acute phase. Patients were separated into two groups according to the number of DWI-HL on first MRI: a first group of patients (n=15) displaying low brain lesion load (<50 DWI-HL per patient) and a second group of patients (n=8) displaying high brain lesion load (≥100 DWI-HL). The median follow-up was 57.9 (9.7-98) months. Clinical features, treatment, relapse rate, time to disappearance of DWI-HL, disabilities and professional outcome did not differ according to brain lesion load. CONCLUSION Brain lesion load assessed by DWI at the acute phase is not associated with risks of disability in SuS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Scheifer
- Department of Internal Medecine, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Cécile Henry Feugeas
- Department of Radiology, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Roriz
- Department of Internal Medecine, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Fleur Cohen Aubart
- Department of Internal Medecine, Hospital Pitié-Salpétrière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Serge Doan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Eric Jouvent
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Lariboisière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Klein
- Department of Radiology, Clinique Alleray-Labrouste, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Carla Machado
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Lariboisière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Diane Rouzaud
- Department of Internal Medecine, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Papo
- Department of Internal Medecine, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR1149, Paris, France
| | - Karim Sacré
- Department of Internal Medecine, Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR1149, Paris, France
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David C, Sacré K, Papo T. [Update on Susac syndrome]. Rev Med Interne 2021; 43:26-30. [PMID: 34119343 DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Susac syndrome is a rare disease affecting mainly young women, characterized by a microangiopathy limited to the cerebral, retinal, and cochlear vessels. Although the pathophysiology of Susac syndrome is not yet fully elucidated, recent advances favour a primitive vasculitis affecting the cerebral, retinal and cochlear small vessels. Susac syndrome must be recognized in the presence of the pathognomonic clinical triad associating: 1/subacute encephalopathy with unusual headache and pseudopsychiatric features associated with diffuse white matter, grey matter nuclei and specifically corpus callosum lesions on brain MRI; 2/eye involvement that may be pauci-symptomatic, with occlusions of the branches of the central artery of the retina at fundoscopy and arterial wall hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography; and 3/cochleo-vestibular damage with hearing loss predominating at low frequencies on the audiogram. Relapses are frequent during an active period lasting approximately 2 years. Eventually, the disease resolves but isolated retinal arterial wall hyperfluorescence without new occlusions may recur, which should not lead to treatment intensification. First-line treatment consists of a combination of anti-aggregants and high dose corticosteroids. In refractory patients or in case of relapse, immunomodulatory molecules such as intravenous immunoglobulins or immunosuppressive drugs such as mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide or rituximab should be started. Unfortunately, sequelae-mostly hearing loss- remain frequent in these young patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C David
- Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - K Sacré
- Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - T Papo
- Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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Yalçınkaya BÇ, Ertürk Çetin Ö, Kılıç H, Demirci O, Çokyaman T, Uygunoğlu U. A rare presentation of Susac syndrome: Report of three pediatric cases. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 53:103074. [PMID: 34139460 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103074] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Susac syndrome is a rare disorder that is clinically characterized by encephalopathy, retinopathy and hearing loss. Most of the reported cases in the literature are adult patients, pediatric presentation is extremely rare. Here we present three pediatric patients aged between 10-15; diagnosed as Susac syndrome. They all had thalamic involvement in addition to typical callosal lesions. All of the three patients had a monophasic course and good treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Özdem Ertürk Çetin
- University of Health Sciences, Sancaktepe Sehit Prof.Dr.Ilhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Hüseyin Kılıç
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Onat Demirci
- Vehbi Koc Foundation, American Hospital, Department of Neurology, Sisli, Turkey.
| | - Turgay Çokyaman
- Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Medicine, Deparment of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology.
| | - Uğur Uygunoğlu
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa; Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Willekens B, Kleffner I. Susac syndrome and pregnancy: a review of published cases and considerations for patient management. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:1756286420981352. [PMID: 33796140 PMCID: PMC7970706 DOI: 10.1177/1756286420981352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare autoimmune endotheliopathy leading to hearing loss, branch retinal artery occlusions and encephalopathy. Young females are more frequently affected than males, making counselling for family planning an important issue. We reviewed published cases on SuS during pregnancy or in the postpartum period, and selected 27 reports describing the details of 33 patients with SuS. Treatment options and implications for pregnancy and breastfeeding are discussed. We propose new areas for research and suggest a management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Willekens
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem, 2650, Belgium
| | - Ilka Kleffner
- University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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