Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Childhood cerebral vasculitis is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain of children and is rare but life-threatening. Imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. This article describes the classification, diagnostic algorithm, and various imaging modalities used in the evaluation of childhood cerebral vasculitis and the imaging findings associated with primary and secondary vasculitis. Understanding the imaging features of this condition can assist in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improve outcomes.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2024
ReviewUsefulness of Different Imaging Methods in the Diagnosis of Cerebral Vasculopathy.
Assessment of cerebral vasculopathies is challenging and requires understanding the utility of different imaging methods. Various techniques are available to image the vessel lumen, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. ⋯ Digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard but is invasive, while VW-MRI provides a non-invasive way of assessing vessel wall pathology. Conventional brain MRI has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of vasculitis but findings are nonspecific.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2024
ReviewPrimary Large Vessel Vasculitis: Takayasu Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis.
Takayasu arteritis (TA) and Giant cell arteritis (GCA) are large vessel vasculitides, with TA targeting the aorta and its branches, and GCA targeting both large and medium-sized arteries. Early diagnosis of TA and GCA are of great importance, since delayed, inappropriate or no treatment can result in severe and permanent complications. Imaging plays a central role in establishing diagnosis, targeting lesions for confirmational diagnostic biopsy, specifically for GCA, and longitudinal disease evolution. In this article, we discuss imaging diagnosis of large artery vasculitis and the value of different imaging modalities.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2024
ReviewImaging of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome.
PRES and RCVS are increasingly recognized due to the wider use of brain MRI and increasing clinical awareness. Imaging plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and guiding clinical management for PRES and RCVS. Imaging also has a pivotal role in determining the temporal progression of these entities, detecting complications, and predicting prognosis. In this review, we aim to describe PRES and RCVS, discuss their possible pathophysiological mechanisms, and discuss imaging methods that are useful in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2024
ReviewTreatment of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a vasculitis limited to the brain and spinal cord. Induction therapy often consists of steroids and cyclophosphamide. ⋯ Medications such as rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil may be good alternatives in those who do not respond to initial treatment or who have relapse of disease. Mortality rates of 8% to 9% are reported in the literature.