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Persistent brain damage in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome on 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer
Katsuhiko Kunitake1, Aya Ogura2, Mai Iwata-Hatanaka2
1Department of Neurology, TOYOTA Memorial Hospital, Toyota, Aichi, Japan; Department of Molecular Therapy, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan; Department of NCNP Brain Physiology and Pathology, Graduate school of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is considered a key step in the pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS); however, its temporal course remains unclear. Based on the characteristics and dynamics of 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer (99mTc-ECD) as a tracer, 99mTc-ECD single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can detect not only hypoperfusion but also BBB breakdown and/or brain tissue damage. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this course using 99mTc-ECD SPECT.
Methods:
Between 2011 and 2019, we enrolled seven patients (one male and six female patients) with RCVS without ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. 99mTc-ECD SPECT was performed repeatedly in each patient. SPECT data were statistically analyzed using an easy Z-score imaging system.
Results:
Thunderclap headache was the initial symptom in all the patients and was most commonly triggered by bathing (three patients). All the patients exhibited vasoconstriction and reduced cerebral uptake of 99mTc-ECD during the acute stage. Follow-up assessment from 3 to 16 months showed that reduced cerebral uptake persisted in all the patients, even after the vasoconstriction had resolved.
Conclusion:
Reduced cerebral uptake of 99mTc-ECD persisted in the late stage of RCVS, even after vasoconstriction and headache subsided. BBB breakdown and/or brain tissue damage may underlie this phenomenon. 99mTc-ECD SPECT is an effective neuroimaging method to detect brain functional abnormalities, reflecting BBB breakdown or tissue damages, throughout the treatment course of RCVS.
