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Zhang H, Wan Y, Mei Z, Xie C, Liu S, Nie H, Hu F, Xu R. Case Report: Rheumatoid meningitis with positive NMDAR antibody: A case treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:971934. [PMID: 36275742 PMCID: PMC9585182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.971934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the central nervous system (CNS), rheumatoid meningitis (RM) mainly affects the meninges and has various clinical symptoms. The diagnostic and treatment approaches currently used are not practical. RM cases with positive NMDAR antibodies (Abs) have never been reported. In the present study, a 66-year-old man with a 1-year history of RA presented recurrent left lower limb weakness during activities for 1 month. The results showed that rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) were positive in the serum, and NMDAR Abs were present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hyperintensity was observed in the leptomeninges of the right frontal and parietal lobes, and subtle hyperintensity was observed in the left frontal and parietal lobes, as indicated by brain MRI. A meningeal biopsy revealed non-specific inflammation with the absence of rheumatoid nodules. The patient was given IVIg on day 7 after admission. The clinical symptoms were relieved, the lesions were alleviated, and abnormal biochemical indicators were gradually recovered 1 week after initiation of the treatment, while NMDAR Abs were present in CSF even after treatment. After 5 months of follow-up, the patient’s serum and CSF ACPA and IL-6 levels were still high. The findings showed that brain MRI was adequate for the diagnosis of RM. ACPA and IL-6 might be the specific biomarkers for disease activity in RM. IVIg was effective as induction therapy for RM. Further studies should explore whether the presence of NMDAR Abs is associated with RM.
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Huang G, Wu L, Mei Z, Yao D. Rheumatoid meningitis without a history of rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and literature review. Rheumatol Int 2022; 43:1173-1182. [PMID: 36125522 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05209-x] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a rare extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, usually with non-specific symptoms. In most cases, head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows lamellar enhancements in leptomeninges and pachymeninges, but definitive diagnosis relies on meningeal biopsies. Here, we reported a 43-year-old RM patient without a previous history of rheumatoid arthritis. He came to seek medical assistance because of fever and headache. The head MRI showed bilateral enhancements in leptomeninges and pachymeninges, and blood tests showed that serum IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) (1010.0 IU/ml) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody (654.24 RU/ml) became positive with a further increase with the progression of the disease. After treatment with steroids, clinical symptoms were relieved. We also reviewed previous history, symptoms, and serum, cerebrospinal fluid and imaging findings in 15 RM cases without a history of rheumatoid arthritis published since 2010. Consistent with previous reported cases, the current case suggests importance of meningeal biopsies and increases in serum RF and anti-CCP antibody in diagnosis of RM. In addition, previous joint symptoms and chronic headaches, and leptomeningeal and pachymeningeal lesions on head MRI are also of great significance for the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Huang
- Neurological Institute of Jiangxi Province and Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingfeng Wu
- Neurological Institute of Jiangxi Province and Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhujun Mei
- Neurological Institute of Jiangxi Province and Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyuan Yao
- Neurological Institute of Jiangxi Province and Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang Medical College, 92 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
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Figus FA, Piga M, Azzolin I, McConnell R, Iagnocco A. Rheumatoid arthritis: Extra-articular manifestations and comorbidities. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102776. [PMID: 33609792 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although synovitis is the pathological hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many extra-articular manifestations (EMs) and comorbidities likely occur due to the complex, chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune features of RA. Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the most common cause of death in patients with RA. Compared to the general population, patients with RA have twice the risk of myocardial infarction and up to 50% increased CV mortality risk. Severe and prolonged disease activity, genetics, and inflammation (e.g. CRP, ACPA, cytokines, matrix-degrading enzymes) play important roles in CV disease and atheroscleroticdamage. The second major cause of death in patients with RA is respiratory disease, which occurs in 30-40% of patients. RA may affect the lung interstitium, airways, and pleurae, while pulmonary vascular involvement is less frequent. Central and peripheral nervous system involvement is usually due to small vessel vasculitis, joint damage, or drug toxicity. There is also evidence that microvascular cerebral damage caused by systemic inflammation is associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Some observational studies have hinted how Disease Modified Anti-Rheumatic Drugs and biologics could reduce the incidence of dementia. Primary gastrointestinal and renal involvements are rare and often relate to drug therapy. To minimize morbidity and mortality, physicians must manage RA disease activity (treat-to-target) and monitor risk factors and concomitant conditions (e.g. smoking cessation; weight regulation; monitoring blood pressure, lipids, thyroid hormone, folic acid and homocysteine; screening for depression, anxiety, atlantoaxial instability, and atherosclerosis). This article aims to provide an overview of the most prevalent and important EMs and comorbidities associated with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Assunta Figus
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, MFRU and Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, University Clinic and AOU of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Irene Azzolin
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, MFRU and Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, MFRU and Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Niemeyer B, Franco F, Marchiori E. Rheumatoid Meningitis as an Extra-articular Manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Neurol India 2021; 69:1903-1904. [DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.333442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Rodriguez Alvarez M, Rodríguez Valencia LM, Seidman R, Acharya A, Espina N, Ravindran N, Mishan D, Mesa CJ, Espinoza LR, McFarlane IM. Rheumatoid meningitis and infection in absence of rheumatoid arthritis history: review of 31 cases. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:3833-3845. [PMID: 32519051 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05221-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A 62-year-old healthy male presents with leg weakness and fever. Imaging revealed leptomeningeal enhancement (LE). After cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were negative, he was discharged with a diagnosis of aseptic meningitis, but was readmitted due to worsening symptoms. Brain biopsy suggested rheumatoid leptomeningitis associated with elevated serum rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA). Following discharge, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reported a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on CSF and brain DNA consistent with Naegleria fowleri (NF). After dramatic improvement on steroids, the patient declined antimicrobial treatment. Upon prednisone taper, symptoms recurred which responded to rituximab (RTX). This case highlights a possible association between rheumatoid leptomeningitis (RM) onset and infection, in a patient without a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our goal is to assess whether this association is present in 69 RM cases reported since 2000. We also describe diagnosis and treatment of 31 new cases (January 2017 to March 2020). We did not identify evidence of active/latent infection in patients with RM and previous RA; however, patients without RA history appeared to have a significantly higher rate. This finding could demonstrate the necessity of evaluating for infection in de novo RM cases without antecedent RA history. We also describe characteristic clinical patterns for each group. More studies are needed to corroborate these results and expand into a possible distinct natural history of RM in each group, which might have an impact upon the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Rodriguez Alvarez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Health & Hospitals Kings County, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA. .,School of Graduate Studies, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
| | | | - Roberta Seidman
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Ajita Acharya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Health & Hospitals Kings County, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Noel Espina
- Department of Health, Wadsworth Center, New York State, Albany, NY, 12237, USA
| | - Nadish Ravindran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Health & Hospitals Kings County, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
| | - Daniel Mishan
- School of Graduate Studies, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Christopher J Mesa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, 70006, USA
| | - Luis R Espinoza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, 70006, USA
| | - Isabel M McFarlane
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Health & Hospitals Kings County, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, USA
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Jewells VL, Latchaw RE. CNS Vasculitis-An Overview of This Multiple Sclerosis Mimic: Clinical and MRI Implications. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2020; 41:296-308. [PMID: 32448486 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses central nervous system vasculitis, a clinical and MRI mimic of multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a paucity of discussion of vasculitis in the radiology literature, and many MS neurologists believe that vasculitis is underdiagnosed. Therefore, the authors hope that the readers will find this paper increases their knowledge about CNS vasculitis and improves their ability to differentiate MS from vasculitis.
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Parsons AM, Aslam F, Grill MF, Aksamit AJ, Goodman BP. Rheumatoid Meningitis: Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Evaluation, and Treatment. Neurohospitalist 2019; 10:88-94. [PMID: 32373270 DOI: 10.1177/1941874419859769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Due to the potential for high mortality and neurologic complications of rheumatoid meningitis (RM), awaiting biopsy confirmation may delay vital treatment intervention. Our aim was to describe the clinical presentations of RM in our population and determine whether meningeal biopsy impacted diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Methods A retrospective chart review was completed for patients at Mayo Clinic with a diagnosis of RM within the last 28 years. Those with identified alternative inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic causes of pachymeningitis or leptomeningitis were excluded. Results Fourteen patients meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were identified. All patients were positive for rheumatoid factor or cyclic citrullinated peptide. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities characterized by pachymeningeal and/or leptomeningeal enhancement. Of the 10 patients who underwent biopsy, nonspecific findings were seen in 74%. All patients except one were treated with corticosteroids with subsequent symptomatic improvement. Radiographic improvement or resolution was seen in 10 (83%) of 12. Patients improved with corticosteroid treatment, including those who were diagnosed with RM on clinical basis without undergoing a biopsy as well. Conclusions This retrospective review displays the myriad of clinical presentations of RM. It also suggests that with appropriate exclusion of infectious, neoplastic, and other autoimmune etiologies, biopsy may not be necessary to initiate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fawad Aslam
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Marie F Grill
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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Nissen MS, Nilsson AC, Forsberg J, Milthers J, Wirenfeldt M, Bonde C, Byg KE, Ellingsen T, Blaabjerg M. Use of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Rheumatoid Meningitis. Front Neurol 2019; 10:666. [PMID: 31293505 PMCID: PMC6606769 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid meningitis is a rare extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, often with non-specific symptoms. In most cases brain MRI shows a patchy lepto- and pachymeningeal enhancement, but the diagnosis currently relies on examination of a meningeal biopsy with presence of plasma cells and rheumatoid noduli. Presence of IgM rheumatic factor (RF) has been found in several cases and recently four cases have shown high titer anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) in CSF, suggesting this as a potential marker for rheumatoid meningitis. We present a 62 year-old woman with sero-positive (IgM RF and anti-CCP) rheumatoid arthritis, presenting with headache and gait impairment. Brain MRI revealed the classical patchy meningeal enhancement and the diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis was confirmed by neuropathological examination of a meningeal biopsy. Analysis of the CSF revealed positive IgM RF (92.7 IU/mL) and strongly positive anti-CCP (19,600 IU/mL) and CXCL-13 (>500 ng/L). After treatment with high-dose steroid and Rituximab the clinical symptoms resolved. A 6 month follow-up analysis of CSF showed a dramatic decrease in all these markers with negative IgM RF and a decrease in both anti-CCP (64 IU/mL) and CXCL-13 (<10 ng/L). Our case further underlines the potential use of CSF anti-CCP and IgM RF in the diagnosis of RM and the use of these markers and CXCL-13 in evaluation of treatment response. A case review of 48 cases of rheumatoid meningitis published since 2010, including, symptoms, serum, and CSF findings, treatment, and outcome is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Scheller Nissen
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Jonatan Forsberg
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Milthers
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christian Bonde
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neurosurgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Keld-Erik Byg
- The Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Torkell Ellingsen
- The Rheumatology Research Unit, Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Blaabjerg
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Grose D, Linger M, Tinni S, Sahathevan R. Rheumatoid meningitis: a rare cause of unilateral pachymeningitis. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/4/e227905. [PMID: 30948395 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-227905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
An 87-year-old woman with quiescent rheumatoid arthritis, not on immunosuppressive therapy, presented with unilateral arm weakness, confusion and visual hallucinations. There were no infective symptoms or history of malignancy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated lymphocytosis and raised protein, without flow cytometric or cytological abnormalities. Viral, bacterial, mycobacterial and fungal testing of CSF and serum were negative. MRI brain indicated unilateral leptomeningeal enhancement. There was no evidence of occult malignancy on CT imaging of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. Rheumatoid factor and anticyclic citrullinated peptide were strongly positive. The patient declined meningeal biopsy but responded to treatment with corticosteroid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grose
- Internal Medicine Services, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Linger
- Internal Medicine Services, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samara Tinni
- Internal Medicine Services, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ramesh Sahathevan
- Internal Medicine Services, Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Lee Ching C, Kenyon L, Berk M, Park C. Rheumatoid meningitis sine arthritis. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 328:73-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pellerin D, Wodkowski M, Guiot MC, AlDhukair H, Blotsky A, Karamchandani J, Vinet E, Lafontaine AL, Lubarsky S. Rheumatoid Meningitis Presenting With Acute Parkinsonism and Protracted Non-convulsive Seizures: An Unusual Case Presentation and Review of Treatment Strategies. Front Neurol 2019; 10:163. [PMID: 30873111 PMCID: PMC6400852 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid meningitis is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The condition may present in a variety of ways and is therefore diagnostically challenging. Uncertainty still exists regarding the optimal treatment strategy. Herein, we describe the case of a 74-year-old man with a history of well-controlled seropositive RA on low-dose prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate. The patient presented with a several-month history of multiple prolonged episodes of expressive aphasia, right hemiparesis, and encephalopathy. Although no epileptiform activity was recorded on repeated electroencephalography, the symptoms fully resolved following treatment with antiepileptic drugs. He subsequently developed acute asymmetrical parkinsonism of the right hemibody. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed subtle enhancement of the leptomeninges over the left frontoparietal convexity. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a mild lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated proteins. Histopathologic analysis of a meningeal biopsy revealed nodular rheumatoid meningitis. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, following which he incompletely recovered. This is the first description of rheumatoid meningitis manifesting with acute parkinsonism and protracted non-convulsive seizures. A summary of cases reported since 2005, including data on pathology, therapy and outcomes, along with a discussion on the efficacy of different treatment strategies are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pellerin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Wodkowski
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Guiot
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hisham AlDhukair
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrea Blotsky
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jason Karamchandani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Evelyne Vinet
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Louise Lafontaine
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stuart Lubarsky
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre for Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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