Recurrent Pontine Strokes in a Young Male

A 34-year-old patient presented to the emergency department with recurrent neurologic symptoms of sudden onset. MRI showed white matter hyperintensities consistent with small vessel disease, predominantly in the pons. There were no known cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and extensive workup for vasculitis was negative. The preliminary diagnosis was small vessel primary central nervous system vasculitis, but immunosuppressive treatment did not stop a progression of the disease over 6 months. Repeated negative diagnostic workup for vasculitis, lack of response to therapy, young age, and predominant involvement of the pons were compatible with pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL), which is a very rare monogenic cause of cerebral small vessel disease due to upregulation of collagen type-IV. Correspondingly, a COL4A1 mutation was found. Therapy was immediately stopped in favour of more strict adjustment of the CVRF including lowering of LDL < 70 mg/dl and extensive monitoring of blood-pressure.