[Central nervous system Vasculitis due to infectious diseases]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Infections can cause neurological complications affecting blood vessels.
• Varicella zoster virus (VZV), syphilis, and Aspergillus are known pathogens with potential vascular implications.
• Diagnosing infectious vasculitis requires specific etiological identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential of VZV, syphilis, and Aspergillus to cause vasculitis or vasculopathy.
• To discuss diagnostic markers for VZV-associated vasculitis.
• To describe the cerebrovascular involvement and stroke risk associated with meningovascular syphilis and Aspergillus infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on infectious causes of vasculitis.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria for VZV vasculitis, including PCR and antibody synthesis.
• Examination of case studies and pathological findings related to meningovascular syphilis and Aspergillus.

Main Results:

• Positive PCR for VZV DNA and intrathecal antibody synthesis support VZV-induced vasculitis.
• Meningovascular syphilis can affect major cerebral arteries, leading to stroke.
• Aspergillus's vasoinvasive nature can result in hemorrhagic infarction via thrombus formation.

Conclusions:

• Infectious agents like VZV, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), and Aspergillus pose significant risks for cerebrovascular events.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of these infections is crucial for appropriate management and prevention of stroke.
• Understanding the specific mechanisms of vascular damage by these pathogens aids in clinical decision-making.