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Pediatric Inflammatory Diseases. Part III: Small Vessels Vasculitis
A Splendiani1, A Catalucci, N Limbucci
1Chair and Unit of Neuroradiology, University of L'Aquila; L'Aquila, Italy - massimo.gallucci@cc.univaq.it.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|September 14, 2013
Summary
Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis, particularly small vessel types in children, presents diagnostic challenges. This review covers frequent primary and secondary CNS vasculitis in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis affects both children and adults, with some forms predominantly occurring in childhood.
- It can manifest as a primary condition or secondary to systemic diseases.
- Classification based on vessel diameter lacks universal agreement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of common primary and secondary CNS vasculitis in children.
- To focus on vasculitis involving small vessels in the pediatric population.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and approaches for CNS vasculitis in children.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pediatric CNS vasculitis.
- Discussion of diagnostic modalities including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, MRI (MR angiography/venography), and angiography.
- Emphasis on the role of brain biopsy for small vessel vasculitis diagnosis.
Main Results:
- CNS vasculitis in children can be primary or secondary, often affecting small vessels.
- Diagnostic modalities have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
- Brain biopsy is crucial for diagnosing small vessel vasculitis and differentiating it from other conditions.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosing CNS vasculitis in children, especially small vessel types, is complex.
- A combination of advanced imaging, CSF analysis, and sometimes biopsy is necessary.
- Further research is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy and management strategies for pediatric CNS vasculitis.
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