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Li EC, Lai QL, Cai MT, Fang GL, Fang W, Zheng Y, Du Y, Du BQ, Shen CH, Qiao S, Ding MP, Zhang YX. Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS): contemporary advances and current controversies. J Neurol 2024; 271:1747-1766. [PMID: 38286842 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is an inflammatory syndrome with characteristic clinical, radiological, and pathological features, and can be effectively treated with corticosteroid-based immunotherapies. The exact pathogenesis of CLIPPERS remains unclear, and specific diagnostic biomarkers are not available. According to the 2017 diagnostic criteria, probable CLIPPERS should be considered in middle-aged patients with subacute onset of pontocerebellar symptoms and typical punctuate and curvilinear gadolinium enhancement lesions ("salt-and-pepper" appearance) located in the hindbrain (especially pons) on magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, CLIPPERS-mimics, such as central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, and several antibody-associated autoimmune CNS diseases (e.g., myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy, and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis), should be extensively excluded. The prerequisite for definite CLIPPERS is the perivascular T-cell-predominant inflammatory infiltration observed on pathological analysis. A biopsy is strongly suggested when clinical/radiological red flags are present. Most patients with CLIPPERS respond well to corticosteroids and have a good prognosis. Long-term low-dose corticosteroid maintenance therapy or corticosteroids coupled with immunosuppressants are recommended to prevent the recurrence of the syndrome. The potential progression of CLIPPERS to lymphoma has been suggested in some cases; therefore, at least 2-year clinical and radiological follow-up is essential. Here, we critically review the recent developments and provided an update on the clinical characteristics, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic management of CLIPPERS. We also discuss the current controversies in this context that can be resolved in future research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Chuang Li
- Department of Neurology, Taikang Ningbo Hospital, Ningbo, 315042, China
| | - Qi-Lun Lai
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Meng-Ting Cai
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Gao-Li Fang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Integrated Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Neurology, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310007, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ye Du
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Bing-Qing Du
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chun-Hong Shen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Song Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Mei-Ping Ding
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Yin-Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Montini F, Nozzolillo A, Tedone N, Mistri D, Rancoita PM, Zanetta C, Mandelli A, Furlan R, Moiola L, Martinelli V, Rocca MA, Filippi M. COVID-19 has no impact on disease activity, progression and cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis: a 2-year study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:342-347. [PMID: 37857497 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sequelae of COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have not been characterised. We explored whether COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of disease activity, disability worsening, neuropsychological distress and cognitive dysfunction during the 18-24 months following SARS-COV-2 infection. METHODS We enrolled 174 PwMS with history of COVID-19 (MS-COVID) between March 2020 and March 2021 and compared them to an age, sex, disease duration, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and a line of treatment-matched group of 348 PwMS with no history of COVID-19 in the same period (MS-NCOVID). We collected clinical, MRI data and SARS-CoV2 immune response in the 18-24 months following COVID-19 or baseline evaluation. At follow-up, PwMS also underwent a complete neuropsychological assessment with brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological tests and optimised scales for fatigue, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. RESULTS 136 MS-COVID and 186 MS-NCOVID accepted the complete longitudinal evaluation. The two groups had similar rate of EDSS worsening (15% vs 11%, p=1.00), number of relapses (6% vs 5%, p=1.00), disease-modifying therapy change (7% vs 4%, p=0.81), patients with new T2-lesions (9% vs 11%, p=1.00) and gadolinium-enhancing lesions (7% vs 4%, p=1.00) on brain MRI. 22% of MS-COVID and 23% MS-NCOVID were cognitively impaired at 18-24 months evaluation, with similar prevalence of cognitive impairment (p=1.00). The z-scores of global and domain-specific cognitive functions and the prevalence of neuropsychiatric manifestations were also similar. No difference was detected in terms of SARS-CoV2 cellular immune response. CONCLUSIONS In PwMS, COVID-19 has no impact on disease activity, course and cognitive performance 18-24 months after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicolò Tedone
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Damiano Mistri
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Mv Rancoita
- University Centre for Statistics in the Biomedical Sciences (CUSSB), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Zanetta
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandelli
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Moiola
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Maria A Rocca
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
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Gelpi E, Klotz S, Beyerle M, Wischnewski S, Harter V, Kirschner H, Stolz K, Reisinger C, Lindeck-Pozza E, Zoufaly A, Leoni M, Gorkiewicz G, Zacharias M, Haberler C, Hainfellner J, Woehrer A, Hametner S, Roetzer T, Voigtländer T, Ricken G, Endmayr V, Haider C, Ludwig J, Polt A, Wilk G, Schmid S, Erben I, Nguyen A, Lang S, Simonitsch-Klupp I, Kornauth C, Nackenhorst M, Kläger J, Kain R, Chott A, Wasicky R, Krause R, Weiss G, Löffler-Rag J, Berger T, Moser P, Soleiman A, Asslaber M, Sedivy R, Klupp N, Klimpfinger M, Risser D, Budka H, Schirmer L, Pröbstel AK, Höftberger R. Multifactorial White Matter Damage in the Acute Phase and Pre-Existing Conditions May Drive Cognitive Dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Neuropathology-Based Evidence. Viruses 2023; 15:908. [PMID: 37112888 PMCID: PMC10144140 DOI: 10.3390/v15040908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need to better understand the mechanisms underlying acute and long-term neurological symptoms after COVID-19. Neuropathological studies can contribute to a better understanding of some of these mechanisms. METHODS We conducted a detailed postmortem neuropathological analysis of 32 patients who died due to COVID-19 during 2020 and 2021 in Austria. RESULTS All cases showed diffuse white matter damage with a diffuse microglial activation of a variable severity, including one case of hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy. Some cases revealed mild inflammatory changes, including olfactory neuritis (25%), nodular brainstem encephalitis (31%), and cranial nerve neuritis (6%), which were similar to those observed in non-COVID-19 severely ill patients. One previously immunosuppressed patient developed acute herpes simplex encephalitis. Acute vascular pathologies (acute infarcts 22%, vascular thrombosis 12%, diffuse hypoxic-ischemic brain damage 40%) and pre-existing small vessel diseases (34%) were frequent findings. Moreover, silent neurodegenerative pathologies in elderly persons were common (AD neuropathologic changes 32%, age-related neuronal and glial tau pathologies 22%, Lewy bodies 9%, argyrophilic grain disease 12.5%, TDP43 pathology 6%). CONCLUSIONS Our results support some previous neuropathological findings of apparently multifactorial and most likely indirect brain damage in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection rather than virus-specific damage, and they are in line with the recent experimental data on SARS-CoV-2-related diffuse white matter damage, microglial activation, and cytokine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Gelpi
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigrid Klotz
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Beyerle
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (M.B.); (A.-K.P.)
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Sven Wischnewski
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience and Institute for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Verena Harter
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Harald Kirschner
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Katharina Stolz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | - Christoph Reisinger
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | | | - Alexander Zoufaly
- Intensive Care Unit, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria;
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene Leoni
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Martin Zacharias
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Christine Haberler
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Hainfellner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid Woehrer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Roetzer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Till Voigtländer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Ricken
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Haider
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Ludwig
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Polt
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gloria Wilk
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Erben
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anita Nguyen
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanna Lang
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Ingrid Simonitsch-Klupp
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Christoph Kornauth
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
- Münchner Leukämielabor, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Maja Nackenhorst
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Johannes Kläger
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Renate Kain
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Andreas Chott
- Institute of Pathology, Klinik Ottakring, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (R.W.)
| | - Richard Wasicky
- Institute of Pathology, Klinik Ottakring, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (R.W.)
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.W.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Judith Löffler-Rag
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pulmonology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.W.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Thomas Berger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrizia Moser
- Department of Neuropathology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Afshin Soleiman
- Department of Neuropathology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (P.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Martin Asslaber
- D&F Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.L.); (G.G.); (M.Z.); (M.A.)
| | - Roland Sedivy
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Nikolaus Klupp
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | - Martin Klimpfinger
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria (H.K.); (R.S.); (M.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.L.); (I.S.-K.); (C.K.); (M.N.); (R.K.)
| | - Daniele Risser
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (C.R.); (N.K.); (D.R.)
| | - Herbert Budka
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucas Schirmer
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Katrin Pröbstel
- Departments of Neurology, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (M.B.); (A.-K.P.)
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (C.H.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (S.H.); (T.R.); (T.V.); (V.E.); (C.H.); (J.L.); (A.P.); (G.W.); (S.S.); (I.E.); (A.N.); (T.B.); (H.B.)
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Al-Chalabi M, DelCimmuto NR, Beran A, Devarasetty PP, Mhanna A, Mahfooz N, Sheikh A. Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of CLIPPERS: A comprehensive systematic review of 140 patients from 100 studies. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104112. [PMID: 36029706 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by symptoms referable to the brainstem and cerebellum such as, diplopia, gait ataxia and cerebellar dysarthria. The features and outcomes of CLIPPERS remains uncertain. we conducted this comprehensive systematic review to summarize all the existing studies that described CLIPPERS in the literature and to provide a quantitative assessment on the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of this rare syndrome. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception until January 15, 2022, was conducted. We only included the cases that clearly reported probable or definite diagnosis of CLIPPERS based on Taieb et al.'s criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze the studies. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. RESULTS We identified 100 case reports and series including a total of 140 patients with CLIPPERS (mean age: 46±18 years and males were 60%). The average follow-up duration was 32.27±57.8 months. Ataxia was the most common presenting symptom. Sixteen percent of the cases were associated with malignancy, mostly hematologic malignancies. The overall relapse rate was 59.2%, and the duration of steroid therapy was considerably shorter in the relapsed cases than in the non-relapsed (mean 6.19±7.9 vs. 10.14±12.1 days, respectively, P = 0.04). The overall mortality rate was 10%, but mortality in patients with malignancy was 30% and it was 12% in patients with relapses. In the case of steroid dosing (less than 20 mg/d versus greater than 20 mg/d) there was no significant modification in the risk of relapse. CONCLUSION CLIPPERS is a rare clinical syndrome that affects mainly middle-aged males. Diagnosis of CLIPPERS is often challenging, and delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, neurologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for CLIPPERS in any patient presenting with symptoms and signs referrable to the brainstem. These patients should be screened for associated malignancies, especially hematological malignancies. The cases associated with malignancy tend to have worse outcomes. The relapse rate is relatively high. The relapse rate may be associated with worse mortality. Based on our findings, we recommend that CLIPPERS be treated with high-dose steroid therapy for at least ten days during the acute phase with a very slow taper. Prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate our findings and guide the clinical care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Al-Chalabi
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, 2130W Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, United States.
| | - Nicholas R DelCimmuto
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Azizullah Beran
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | - Asmaa Mhanna
- The University of Toledo, Promedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Naeem Mahfooz
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, 2130W Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, United States; College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Ajaz Sheikh
- Department of Neurology, University of Toledo, 2130W Central Ave., Toledo, OH 43606, United States; College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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