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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo
Published on: March 26, 2019
[Case of CNS-limited ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting as recurrent ischemic stroke]
Kayo Wakisaka1, Noriko Hagiwara, Yuka Kanazawa
1Division of Cerebrovascular Medicine, Kyushu Rosai Hospital.
Abstract:
A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of a decrease in spontaneity. His medical history included two stroke episodes, probably related to hypertension. Brain MRI on admission demonstrated acute infarction in the right caudate nucleus and left putamen. Intravenous infusion of a low molecular-weight heparin added to oral antiplatelets was started. Following admission, he developed a low grade fever and severe inflammatory reaction. The focus of infection was not evident, and none of the antibiotics tried were effective. Ten days after admission, he developed right hemiparesis, and an additional brain MRI showed new multiple infarctions. We also determined the presence of a high MPO-ANCA titer (57 EU), and we diagnosed the patient's condition to be ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Steroid therapy improved his inflammatory reaction and stroke recurrence was not observed. We suggest that vasculitis should be considered as a potential risk factor for repeated small infarctions with fever of unknown origin, especially those of perforating artery territories.
Insights
This study highlights ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) as a cause of recurrent strokes and fever of unknown origin. Early diagnosis and steroid treatment can prevent further neurological events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- A 73-year-old male with a history of hypertension and strokes presented with decreased spontaneity.
- Initial brain MRI revealed acute infarctions in the right caudate nucleus and left putamen.
Observation:
- The patient developed a low-grade fever and severe inflammatory reaction unresponsive to antibiotics.
- New multiple infarctions appeared on follow-up MRI, alongside right hemiparesis.
Findings:
- High MPO-ANCA titer (57 EU) led to the diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV).
- Steroid therapy effectively managed the inflammatory reaction and prevented recurrent strokes.
Implications:
- ANCA-associated vasculitis should be considered in cases of recurrent small infarctions with unexplained fever.
- This diagnosis is particularly relevant for lesions in perforating artery territories.
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Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
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