[Clinical aspects and diagnostics of cerebral vasculitis]

Vasculitis is a rare cause of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Vasculitis can be divided into primary and secondary forms, of which the vast majority can be manifested in various organ systems, including the CNS. Isolated vasculitis of the CNS is limited to the CNS and clinical neurological symptoms as with the other forms of vasculitis, are headaches, encephalopathy, focal deficits and seizures. A criterion of isolated CNS vasculitis is the clinical and laboratory diagnostic exclusion of other forms of vasculitis and the involvement of other organ systems.

Multiple leaps in the caliber of intracranial arteries in cerebral angiography and multiple, small contrast medium-enhanced lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are typical findings, which, however, can also be found in other forms of vasculitis.

The only way of proving meningitis is by a biopsy of the brain meninges and parenchyma. It is necessary to make as accurate a diagnosis as possible, especially in the context of therapeutic options of immunosuppression with steroids and cyclophosphamide.

Cerebral vasculitis is a rare entity but it is an important diagnosis to consider when the appropriate clinical symptoms are present. Thorough laboratory diagnostics and subsequent brain biopsy are necessary to confirm the diagnosis in order to then be able to initiate a specific treatment.