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Published on: March 26, 2019
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system
Hossein Pourmahmoodian1, Hossein Ali Ghelichnia Omrani, Mohammad Hossein Harrirchian
1Department of Neurology, Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Pourmahmoodian@yahoo.com
Acta Medica Iranica
|March 16, 2012
Summary
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare condition affecting only the brain and spinal cord. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms or neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an idiopathic vasculitis exclusively affecting the CNS.
- It can mimic infectious or neoplastic processes, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- The study presents three cases of PACNS with diverse symptoms including fever, seizures, encephalopathy, paresis, headache, and ataxia.
- One case was initially misdiagnosed as herpes simplex meningoencephalitis, highlighting diagnostic difficulties.
Findings:
- PACNS presents with varied manifestations, often mimicking CNS infections or stroke.
- Diagnosis relies on clinical data, exclusion of other conditions, and characteristic angiography.
Implications:
- PACNS should be considered in patients with suspected CNS infection or stroke, especially those unresponsive to standard treatments.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are vital for improving patient outcomes in PACNS.
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