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de Souza A, Tasker K. Inflammatory Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Broad Clinical Spectrum. J Clin Neurol 2023; 19:230-241. [PMID: 37151140 PMCID: PMC10169922 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common central nervous system (CNS) vasculopathy, which in some cases is associated with subacute encephalopathy, seizures, headaches, or strokes due to vascular inflammation directed against vascular amyloid accumulation. The pathological subtypes of inflammatory CAA include CAA-related inflammation (CAAri) with mostly perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates, or amyloid-beta (Aβ)-related angiitis (ABRA) with transmural granulomatous inflammation. CAAri and ABRA probably represent part of the spectrum of CNS vasculopathies, intermediate between CAA and primary CNS vasculitis, and they are closely related to Aβ-related imaging abnormalities and other manifestations of an inflammatory response directed against Aβ in the leptomeninges and cerebral parenchyma. As treatment strategies in Alzheimer's disease shift toward potentially effective antiamyloid immunotherapy, the incidence rate of inflammatory CAA (which is probably an underrecognized condition) is likely to increase. Its clinical features are varied and include subacute encephalopathy, behavioral symptoms, headaches, seizures, and focal neurological deficits, which necessitate a high degree of suspicion for this disorder that often responds to treatment. The recent definition of the typical clinical and radiological syndrome has increased its recognition and may eliminate the need for invasive histological sampling in at least some affected patients. Here we review the pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, and approach to diagnosis, and discuss illustrative cases that highlight the wide range of clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Launceston Clinical School, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.
| | - Kate Tasker
- Department of Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Australia
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Chwalisz BK. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and related inflammatory disorders. J Neurol Sci 2021; 424:117425. [PMID: 33840507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a largely reversible inflammatory vasculopathy that develops in an acute or subacute fashion in reaction to amyloid protein deposition in the central nervous system blood vessels. There are two recognized pathologically characterized variants: cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAAri) and A beta-related angiitis (ABRA). Both variants produce a clinical picture that resembles primary angiitis of the CNS but is distinguished by a characteristic radiologic appearance. Although originally defined as a clinicopathologic diagnosis, it can now often be diagnosed based on clinicoradiologic criteria, though confirmation with brain and meningeal biopsy is still required in some cases. This disorder typically responds to steroids but addition of other immune suppressants may be needed in some cases to control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Chwalisz
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 15 Parkman Street, Suite 835, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Division of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Corovic A, Kelly S, Markus HS. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation: A systematic review of clinical and imaging features and outcome. Int J Stroke 2017; 13:257-267. [DOI: 10.1177/1747493017741569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation is an increasingly recognized condition, characterized by an inflammatory response to the vascular deposits of β-amyloid within the brain that are the hallmark of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Two main patterns of this inflammatory response have been identified to date: one involving a perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate (cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation); the other a transmural vasculitic process (A-beta related angiitis). Unlike cerebral amyloid angiopathy itself, which predisposes to intracerebral hemorrhage and has no known treatment, cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation typically presents in diverse ways and diagnosis may be challenging and delayed. Aims We sought to summarize the clinical features, imaging appearances and available data on outcome and treatment responses, using information derived from a systematic review of pathologically proven cases of cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation. Summary of review We identified 213 distinct pathologically proven cases of cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation/A-beta related angiitis, from 104 publications. The clinical presentation, imaging features, pathology, treatment, and outcomes of cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation are described. Conclusions Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammation is an important and increasingly recognized clinical condition, which affects the older patient population and presents most commonly with cognitive decline, seizures, and headaches. Future research is required to develop and validate diagnostic criteria and determine optimum treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Corovic
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Siobhan Kelly
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hugh S Markus
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Raghavan P, Looby S, Bourne TD, Wintermark M. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation: A potentially reversible cause of dementia with characteristic imaging findings. J Neuroradiol 2015; 43:11-7. [PMID: 26471406 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurad.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cerebral amyloid angiopathy with inflammation (CAA-I) is a less well-recognized clinically and radiologically distinct subtype of CAA. We aim to describe the imaging manifestations of this uncommon entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records and imaging database yielded 9 patients with clinical and radiological findings compatible with CAA-I. The neurological findings at presentation, MRI findings including the presence of white matter involvement, mass effect, microhemorrhages and contrast enhancement, treatment provided and outcome were evaluated. Brain biopsy specimens, when available were also reviewed. RESULTS All patients presented with subacute cognitive decline. In all 9 patients, confluent white matter lesions with mass effect were observed. Eight out of 9 patients demonstrated foci of microhemorrhage, while in 1, the microhemorrhages appeared 12 weeks after the initial examination. No significant parenchymal or meningeal enhancement was present in any patient. In 4 patients, brain biopsy was consistent with CAA-I. Immunosuppressive therapy was initiated in all patients, leading to full recovery in 5. CONCLUSION CAA-I is characterized by the subacute onset of dementia, a distinct pattern of confluent white matter signal abnormality with mass effect and response to immunosuppressive therapy. Prompt recognition may help obviate brain biopsy and initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Raghavan
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
| | - Seamus Looby
- Department of Neuroradiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - T David Bourne
- Norton Hospital, 200 East Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40202, United States.
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Dr, Room S047, Stanford, CA 94305-5105, United States.
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Castro Caldas A, Silva C, Albuquerque L, Pimentel J, Silva V, Ferro JM. Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Associated with Inflammation: Report of 3 Cases and Systematic Review. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 24:2039-48. [PMID: 26163888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with inflammatory process (CAA-I) is a rare potentially treatable encephalopathy, characterized by an inflammatory response to vascular deposits of β-amyloid. We aimed to describe 3 clinical cases and perform a systematic review of all neuropathologically proved CAA-I case reports to describe its clinical and pathologic features and outcome under different treatments. METHODS We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library and screened references of included studies and review articles for additional citations. Outcome was classified at the last available follow-up by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS A total of 67 publications, reporting on 155 patients, were included. Mean age was 66.9 years, and 53.5% were men. The most common clinical presentation was cognitive dysfunction (48.0%) followed by headaches (38.7%), seizures (36.7%), and pyramidal signs (20.0%). Perivascular and vasculitic inflammation with granuloma was the most common pathologic pattern (27.5%). Eighty-six percent were treated with corticosteroids and 33.9% with cyclophosphamide. Forty-two percent regained independence (mRS score 0-2), whereas 20.5% were left with a severe handicap (mRS score 3-5) and 37.5% died. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome between patients treated with therapy with corticosteroids alone comparing with those treated with combination corticosteroids with cytostatic agents. CONCLUSIONS The most common clinical manifestation of CAA-I was cognitive dysfunction. The functional outcome was unfavorable in the majority of the patients, with death or severe disability in almost two third of the cases, despite treatment. No differences in outcome could be detected between patients treated with corticosteroids versus patients treated with cytostatics, combined with corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Castro Caldas
- Department of Neurosciences, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristiana Silva
- Department of Neurosciences, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luísa Albuquerque
- Department of Neurosciences, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Pimentel
- Department of Neurosciences, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratory of Neuropathology, Department of Neurosciences, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Silva
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Ferro
- Department of Neurosciences, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
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Danve A, Grafe M, Deodhar A. Amyloid Beta-Related Angiitis—A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of Literature of 94 Cases. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2014; 44:86-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Salvarani C, Hunder GG, Morris JM, Brown RD, Christianson T, Giannini C. Aβ-related angiitis: comparison with CAA without inflammation and primary CNS vasculitis. Neurology 2013; 81:1596-603. [PMID: 24078731 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182a9f545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical findings, response to therapy, and outcomes of patients with cerebral vascular amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition with and without inflammatory vascular infiltration. METHODS We report 78 consecutive patients with cerebral vascular Aβ deposition examined at Mayo Clinic Rochester over 25 years (1987 through 2011). Specimens reviewed by a neuropathologist showed 40 with vascular Aβ peptide without inflammation (cerebral amyloid angiopathy [CAA]), 28 with granulomatous vasculitis (Aβ-related angiitis or ABRA), and 10 with perivascular CAA-related inflammation. We also matched findings in 118 consecutive patients with primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) without Aβ seen over 25 years (1983 through 2007). RESULTS Compared to the 40 with CAA, the 28 with ABRA were younger at diagnosis (p = 0.05), had less altered cognition (p = 0.02), fewer neurologic deficits (p = 0.02), and fewer intracranial hemorrhages (<0.001), but increased gadolinium leptomeningeal enhancement (p = 0.01) at presentation, and less mortality and disability at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Compared with PCNSV, the 28 patients with ABRA were older at diagnosis (p < 0.001), had a higher frequency of altered cognition (p = 0.05), seizures/spells (p = 0.006), gadolinium leptomeningeal enhancement (p < 0.001), and intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.02), lower frequency of hemiparesis (p = 0.01), visual symptoms (p = 0.04), and MRI evidence of cerebral infarction (p = 0.003), but higher CSF protein levels (p = 0.03). Results of treatment and outcomes in ABRA and PCNSV were similar. CONCLUSIONS ABRA appears to represent a distinct subset of PCNSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Salvarani
- From the Unità Operativa di Reumatologia (C.S.), Azienda Ospedaliera ASMN, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Anatomic Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (C.G.), Departments of Radiology (J.M.M.) and Neurology (R.D.B.), and Divisions of Biostatistics (T.C.) and Rheumatology (G.G.H.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Mateen FJ, Josephs KA, Parisi JE, Drubach DA, Caselli RJ, Kantarci K, Jack C, Boeve BF. Steroid-responsive encephalopathy subsequently associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology: a case series. Neurocase 2012; 18:1-12. [PMID: 21714739 PMCID: PMC3184345 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2010.547503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroid-responsive encephalopathies can be considered vasculitic or non-vasculitic. Clinicopathological studies of non-vasculitic steroid-responsive encephalopathy are unusual, but can explain the range of diagnoses consistent with a steroid-responsive presentation in life. OBJECTIVE To extend the range of clinical features and pathological findings consistent with steroid-responsive encephalopathy. Design, methods, and patients: A clinicopathological case series of four patients (two women, ages 54-71 years) with steroid-responsive encephalopathy followed at this institution until the time of death. RESULTS Clinical features were suggestive of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and parkinsonism, but pathological examination revealed only Alzheimer's disease-related findings without evidence of Lewy bodies or prion disease in all cases. All patients demonstrated marked, sustained improvement following steroid treatment, based on clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or electroencephalogram studies. Alzheimer's disease was not diagnosed in life due to the atypical clinical features, lack of hippocampal atrophy on brain imaging, and a dramatic symptomatic response to steroids. CONCLUSIONS Steroid-responsive encephalopathy is the clinical presentation of some patients with Alzheimer's disease-related pathology at autopsy, and can be consistent with the clinical diagnoses of parkinsonism, DLB, or CJD disease in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah J Mateen
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Steroid responsive encephalopathy in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a case report and review of evidence for immunosuppressive treatment. J Neuroinflammation 2010; 7:18. [PMID: 20214781 PMCID: PMC2846904 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-7-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common but often asymptomatic disease, characterized by deposition of amyloid in cerebral blood vessels. We describe the successful treatment of CAA encephalopathy with dexamethasone in a patient with CAA-related inflammation causing subacute progressive encephalopathy and seizures, which is an increasingly recognized subtype of CAA. The two pathological subtypes of CAA-related inflammation are described and a review of the literature is performed concerning immunosuppressive treatment of CAA-related inflammation with special attention to its pathological subtypes. Immunosuppressive therapy appears to be an appropriate treatment for CAA encephalopathy.
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Salvarani C, Brown RD, Calamia KT, Christianson TJH, Huston J, Meschia JF, Giannini C, Miller DV, Hunder GG. Primary central nervous system vasculitis: comparison of patients with and without cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2008; 47:1671-7. [PMID: 18753193 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) from a large cohort of consecutive patients with PCNSV treated at a single institution. METHODS We identified 101 consecutive patients with PCNSV admitted between January 1983 and December 2003. PCNSV diagnoses were based on findings from a central nervous system (CNS) biopsy (n = 31) and conventional angiography (n = 70). CNS tissue specimens from 49 cases were examined histologically, and 49 were stained for amyloid deposits. Those with vascular amyloid deposits (CAA) were compared with those without histological evidence of amyloid deposition. RESULTS Eight cases (26%) with CNS biopsy specimens positive for PCNSV also showed findings of CAA. Compared with patients with PCNSV only, these patients were older at diagnosis, predominantly male, had a more acute onset, a higher frequency of cognitive dysfunction and showed prominent gadolinium-enhanced leptomeningeal lesions with MRI. Histologically, all had a granulomatous vascular inflammatory pattern. Six patients responded promptly to therapy. Outcomes at last follow-up were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS PCNSV with CAA appears to form a clinical subset of PCNSV. The vasculitis influences the clinical findings to a greater degree than the presence of amyloid deposits in the vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Salvarani
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Marotti JD, Savitz SI, Kim WK, Williams K, Caplan LR, Joseph JT. Scientific correspondence. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2007; 33:475-9. [PMID: 17573809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2007.00843.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Revesz T, Holton JL, Lashley T, Plant G, Rostagno A, Ghiso J, Frangione B. Sporadic and familial cerebral amyloid angiopathies. Brain Pathol 2006; 12:343-57. [PMID: 12146803 PMCID: PMC8095796 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2002.tb00449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is the term used to describe deposition of amyloid in the walls of arteries, arterioles and, less often, capillaries and veins of the central nervous system. CAAs are an important cause of cerebral hemorrhage and may also result in ischemic lesions and dementia. A number of amyloid proteins are known to cause CAA. The most common sporadic CAA, caused by A beta deposition, is associated with aging and is a common feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). CAA occurs in several familial conditions, including hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis of Icelandic type caused by deposition of mutant cystatin C, hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis Dutch type and familial AD with deposition of either A beta variants or wild-type A beta, the transthyretin-related meningo-vascular amyloidoses, gelsolin as well as familial prion disease-related CAAs and the recently described BRI2 gene-related CAAs in familial British dementia and familial Danish dementia. This review focuses on the morphological, biochemical, and genetic aspects as well as the clinical significance of CAAs with special emphasis on the BRI2 gene-related cerebrovascular amyloidoses. We also discuss data relevant to the pathomechanism of the different forms of CAA with an emphasis on the most common A beta-related types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Revesz
- Queen Square Brain Bank, Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, University College London, UK.
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Wong SH, Robbins PD, Knuckey NW, Kermode AG. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy presenting with vasculitic pathology. J Clin Neurosci 2006; 13:291-4. [PMID: 16439133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2005.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2005] [Accepted: 03/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We present an elderly patient with an unusual extensive multifocal central nervous system mass lesion, with dramatic imaging changes but only minor disturbance of cerebral function. Cerebral biopsy revealed an unexpected finding of severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy with secondary florid vasculitic appearances, which is a very rare but recognised association. Immunosuppression has produced significant sustained clinical and radiological remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Wong
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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Harkness KAC, Coles A, Pohl U, Xuereb JH, Baron JC, Lennox GG. Rapidly reversible dementia in cerebral amyloid inflammatory vasculopathy. Eur J Neurol 2004; 11:59-62. [PMID: 14692890 DOI: 10.1046/j.1351-5101.2003.00707.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This report discusses a biopsy proven case of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, with additional prominent vascular inflammatory features, characterized by a rapidly progressive dementia and leukoencephalopathy, where the clinical and radiological abnormalities resolved rapidly with minimal therapeutic intervention. We propose the term cerebral amyloid inflammatory vasculopathy (CAIV) to describe this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A C Harkness
- Department of Neurology, Addenbrooke's University Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
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Collagen Vascular and Infectious Diseases. Stroke 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/b0-44-306600-0/50030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Tamargo RJ, Connolly ES, McKhann GM, Khandji A, Chang Y, Libien J, Adams D. Clinicopathological review: primary angiitis of the central nervous system in association with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Neurosurgery 2003; 53:136-43; discussion 143. [PMID: 12823882 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000068864.20655.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2002] [Accepted: 02/12/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael J Tamargo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Schwab P, Lidov HGW, Schwartz RB, Anderson RJ. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy associated with primary angiitis of the central nervous system: report of 2 cases and review of the literature. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 2003; 49:421-7. [PMID: 12794799 DOI: 10.1002/art.11049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Schwab
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Oide T, Tokuda T, Takei YI, Takahashi H, Ito K, Ikeda SI. Serial CT and MRI findings in a patient with isolated angiitis of the central nervous system associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Amyloid 2002; 9:256-62. [PMID: 12557755 DOI: 10.3109/13506120209114103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We report serial CT and MRI findings in a biopsy-proven case of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) with isolated angiitis of the central nervous system (CNS). A 69-year-old man had developed dizziness, dementia, and generalized seizure during the preceding 4 years. An initial examination by brain CT and MRI showed bilateral symmetrical periventricular lesions closely resembling those of Binswanger's disease. Subsequently, the lesions expanded slowly, involving a large area of the right cerebral hemisphere with an obvious mass effect. Since a primary brain tumor was suspected, a brain biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed amyloid beta protein CAA within the meningocortical vessels associated with perivascular monocytic cuffing, indicating the presence of isolated angiitis of the CNS. Multinucleated giant cells containing intracytoplasmic beta protein amyloid around a heavily amyloid-laden cortical vessel were also observed. This is the first case report to show sequential radiographical studies of the leukoencephalopathy associated with CAA and isolated angiitis of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Oide
- Third Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Nagano, Japan
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Hoshi K, Yoshida K, Nakamura A, Tada T, Tamaoka A, Ikeda S. Cessation of cerebral hemorrhage recurrence associated with corticosteroid treatment in a patient with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Amyloid 2000; 7:284-8. [PMID: 11132098 DOI: 10.3109/13506120009146443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 65 year old female patient with biopsy-proven cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). She experienced intracerebral hemorrhages 4 times during 23 days but these serious strokes did not recur after corticosteroid therapy was started and her condition greatly improved. Since high titers of antinuclear antibodies and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate were found in her serum, she may have an inflammatory disorder involving amyloid-laden cerebral vessels. This is the first report showing the usefulness ofcorticosteroid for the treatment of CAA-related cerebral hemorrhages. Additionally, the concentrations of Abeta40 and Abeta42 in the CSF of this patient decreased rapidly after the use of corticosteroid, and ultimately fell far below normal values.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hoshi
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Abstract
Granulomatous angiitis of the nervous system (GANS) refers to distinctive clinicopathologic disorders with the essential feature of granulomatous inflammation of cerebral and spinal vessels, accompanied by multinucleate giant cells and epithelioid cells. This article reviews and examines the clinical, laboratory, and neuropathologic findings of patients with granulomatous angiitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Younger
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Anders KH, Wang ZZ, Kornfeld M, Gray F, Soontornniyomkij V, Reed LA, Hart MN, Menchine M, Secor DL, Vinters HV. Giant cell arteritis in association with cerebral amyloid angiopathy: immunohistochemical and molecular studies. Hum Pathol 1997; 28:1237-46. [PMID: 9385928 DOI: 10.1016/s0046-8177(97)90196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) usually manifests as a transmural vascular infiltrate of mononuclear and multinucleated giant cells (MNGC). We describe six patients with GCA associated with severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), all with cerebral hemorrhage or varying degrees of cerebral infarct, and histological evidence of Alzheimer's disease (cortical CAA often predominating over senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles). One case showed mostly cortical involvement (with old microhemorrhages), and the others were primarily leptomeningeal (with involvement of the underlying cortex and extensive encephalomalacia of adjacent brain). Many vessels with CAA exhibited a pronounced adventitial and perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and MNGC. Immunohistochemical staining showed deposition of beta/A4 peptide primarily in the thickened media of CAA vessels, and within the cytoplasm of MNGC--suggesting phagocytosis of insoluble peptide. Cystatin C antibody stained vascular amyloid and diffusely highlighted astrocytic and MNGC cytoplasm. HAM56-positive macrophages were frequently seen around amyloid-laden vessels. Anti-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry suggests the occurrence of medial destruction by amyloid, with relative preservation of intimal cells. Ultrastructural studies performed in one case confirmed the presence of intracytoplasmic amyloid in MNGC. The GCA seen in these cases of CAA most likely represents a foreign body response to amyloid proteins, causing secondary destruction of the vessel wall. DNA from brain tissues of five affected patients was examined to assess whether mutations were present in exon 17 of the APP gene or exon 2 of the cystatin C gene, a finding that might explain the foreign body giant cell response to amyloid proteins in these cases. However, restriction fragment mapping of amplified gene segments showed that previously described mutations were not present in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Anders
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (Neuropathology), UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1732, USA
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23
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Yamada M, Itoh Y, Shintaku M, Kawamura J, Jensson O, Thorsteinsson L, Suematsu N, Matsushita M, Otomo E. Immune reactions associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Stroke 1996; 27:1155-62. [PMID: 8685920 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.27.7.1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) occasionally coexists with cerebral vasculitis. An immune system may influence deposition or degradation of the amyloid in cerebral blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to elucidate immune reactions associated with CAA. METHODS In 11 elderly patients with sporadic CAA, 2 patients with Icelandic familial CAA, and 2 patients with CAA and granulomatous angiitis, the cerebrovascular amyloid proteins and infiltrating inflammatory cells were analyzed immunohistochemically. RESULTS In both sporadic CAA (beta-protein amyloid angiopathy) and Icelandic familial CAA (cystatin C amyloid angiopathy), leptomeningeal and cortical vessels were associated with an increase or activation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells. In the cases of CAA with granulomatous angiitis, the vascular amyloid was of beta-protein and associated with infiltration of many monocyte/macrophage lineage cells, which included multinucleated giant cells containing the amyloid in the cytoplasm as well as T cells composed of CD4+ and CD8+ subsets. Amyloid P component, which was reported to be a common component of amyloid deposits and to prevent phagocytic proteolysis of amyloid fibrils of beta-protein, was negative for the vascular amyloid in a case of CAA with granulomatous angiitis but positive in the others. CONCLUSIONS In both the beta-protein and cystatin C amyloid angiopathies, cerebrovascular amyloid deposition was associated with an increase or activation of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells. Prominent reactions of monocyte/macrophage lineage cells admixed with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (granulomatous angiitis) were occasionally associated with beta-protein angiopathy. In some of these cases, the absence of amyloid P component might be related to pathogenesis of the granulomatous reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yamada
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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25
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Walley V, Kisilevsky R, Young I. Amyloid and the cardiovascular system: A review of pathogenesis and pathology with clinical correlations. Cardiovasc Pathol 1995; 4:79-102. [DOI: 10.1016/1054-8807(95)90411-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/1994] [Accepted: 01/23/1995] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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26
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Le Coz P, Mikol J, Ferrand J, Woimant F, Masters C, Beyreuther K, Haguenau M, Cophignon J, Pepin B. Granulomatous angiitis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy presenting as a mass lesion. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 1991; 17:149-55. [PMID: 1713309 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.1991.tb00706.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A woman, who presented with clinical and radiological signs of a right temporal mass suggestive of a brain tumour, was found to have granulomatous angiitis associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy; the diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy. She is still well 13 years after excision of the lesion. The association of granulomatous angiitis and cerebral amyloid angiopathy constitutes a peculiar variety of central nervous system micro-angiopathy. Only a few similar cases have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Le Coz
- Department of Neurology, Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris VII University, France
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27
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Gray F, Vinters HV, Le Noan H, Salama J, Delaporte P, Poirier J. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy and granulomatous angiitis: immunohistochemical study using antibodies to the Alzheimer A4 peptide. Hum Pathol 1990; 21:1290-3. [PMID: 2249843 DOI: 10.1016/s0046-8177(06)80045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathologic study of an 82-year-old male who died from massive cerebral hemorrhage showed extensive amyloid angiopathy, with morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics similar to those observed in Alzheimer's disease, associated with granulomatous angiitis, including the presence of numerous giant cells. Some of the giant cells contained, in their cytoplasm, congophilic material immunoreactive for the Alzheimer A4 peptide, supporting the hypothesis that the granulomatous angiitis may, in part, represent a foreign body reaction to A4 amyloid deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gray
- Department de Pathologie (Neuropathologie), Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
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28
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Powers JM, Stein BM, Torres RA. Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy with giant cell reaction. Acta Neuropathol 1990; 81:95-8. [PMID: 2085098 DOI: 10.1007/bf00662644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of intracerebral hemorrhages due to sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy in a 43-year-old male with a luxuriant giant cell reaction. The amyloid was resistant to potassium permanganate-sulfuric acid oxidation and reacted with an antiserum to synthetic beta-protein. The distribution and histologic characteristics of the multinucleated giant cell reaction suggest that it represents a foreign-body reaction rather than giant cell arteritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Powers
- Division of Neuropathology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032
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