Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: a case report
Yu, X-lin.; Liu, A-fen.; Ma, L.; Yan, C-zhu.; Zhao, Y-ying.; Shan, P-yan.
Chinese Medical Journal 124(17): 2782-2785
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 22040443 Document Number: 654652
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system is a rare and difficult entity. Here we represented the clinical and pathological features of a patient with little response to steroid before definite diagnosis. The 50-year-old male had a fluctuating disease course for more than 3 years. He presented visual disorders, seizure, cognitive impairment, hypersomnia, unsteady gait, dysphasia, dysphagia, and incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple, supratentorial and infratentorial abnormal signals, while cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral angiography were normal. Magnetic resonance spectrum showed a decrease of N-acetyl-aspartate. Brain biopsy revealed nongranulomatous lymphatic vasculitis with reactive gliosis, cicatrization, demyelination and focal hemorrhages.