Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 4, 2026

The Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rNAION)
06:49

The Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rNAION)

Published on: November 20, 2016

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: unusual MR appearance

E I Shoemaker1, Z S Lin, A D Rae-Grant

  • 1Department of Radiology, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA 18105-1556.

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) involves inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. MR imaging revealed characteristic enhancement patterns in the brainstem and white matter, correlating with pathological findings.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroradiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare condition characterized by inflammation of blood vessels within the brain and spinal cord.
  • Accurate diagnosis of PACNS is crucial for timely and effective treatment, often requiring a combination of clinical, imaging, and histopathological data.

Observation:

  • Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging findings from a biopsy-proven case of PACNS are presented.
  • The study details the specific patterns of enhancement observed using gadopentetate dimeglumine contrast.

Findings:

  • Multiple punctate and linear areas of gadolinium enhancement were identified in the brainstem and white matter.
  • These MR findings correlate with the histopathological evidence of inflammatory reactions in the small perforating vessels and surrounding tissues.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the utility of advanced MR imaging in diagnosing PACNS.
  • Understanding these imaging patterns aids in differentiating PACNS from other neurological disorders and guides therapeutic strategies.

More Related Videos

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo10:50

Visualizing Impairment of the Endothelial and Glial Barriers of the Neurovascular Unit during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis In Vivo

Published on: March 26, 2019

Reliable Isolation of Central Nervous System Microvessels Across Five Vertebrate Groups10:35

Reliable Isolation of Central Nervous System Microvessels Across Five Vertebrate Groups

Published on: January 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...