Cerebral vasculitis in leptospirosis: An uncommon MRI case presentation
Zakaryae Essouni1, Badr Kabila1, Hassan En Nouali1
1Radiology Department, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Radiology Case Reports
|August 18, 2025
Summary
Cerebral vasculitis, a rare complication of leptospirosis, involves brain inflammation. Early MRI diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment and preventing long-term neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is an infectious disease with potential neurological complications.
- Cerebral vasculitis is a rare but severe manifestation of leptospirosis, often immune-mediated.
- Neurological involvement affects 10%-15% of leptospirosis cases, with true cerebral vasculitis being exceedingly rare.
Observation:
- A case of cerebral vasculitis secondary to leptospirosis is presented.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is instrumental in detecting vascular abnormalities like inflammation and microbleeds.
- Neuroimaging is vital for confirming the diagnosis and assessing the extent of vascular involvement.
Findings:
- MRI findings were crucial in identifying cerebral vasculitis in this leptospirosis patient.
- The case underscores the diagnostic utility of MRI in suspected cases of leptospirosis-associated neurological complications.
- Early detection through MRI aids in initiating appropriate management strategies.
Implications:
- Early neuroimaging and clinical correlation are essential for managing cerebral vasculitis in leptospirosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can mitigate the risk of severe and permanent neurological sequelae.
- This case emphasizes the importance of considering cerebral vasculitis in patients with neurological symptoms and a history of leptospirosis.
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