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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:50
Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
Central nervous system vasculitis.
Rula A Hajj-Ali1, Leonard H Calabrese
1Center for Vasculitis Care and Research, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. hajjalr@ccf.org
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|December 20, 2008
Summary
Accurate diagnosis is key for treating central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis. Recognizing mimics like reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) improves patient management and treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis diagnosis has increased.
- Understanding heterogeneity in CNS vasculitis is crucial for physicians.
- Distinguishing primary and secondary CNS vasculitis is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review major forms of primary and secondary CNS vasculitis.
- Emphasize clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
- Highlight the importance of differentiating CNS vasculitis from mimics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of CNS vasculitis.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic criteria.
- Evaluation of treatment approaches for CNS vasculitis and mimics.
Main Results:
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes (RCVS) represent a significant advancement.
- RCVS mimics CNS vasculitis but has distinct pathophysiology.
- Correct identification of RCVS improves patient management.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis is fundamental for effective CNS vasculitis treatment.
- Awareness of mimics, particularly RCVS, is vital for clinicians.
- This review provides a guide to CNS vasculitis diagnosis and management.
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