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Keskin KG, Carus I, Kalyoncu Aslan I, Gözke E. HaNDL Syndrome: The Innocent Lymphocytic Pleocytosis. Neurologist 2024; 29:163-165. [PMID: 38048553 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HaNDL syndrome is a transient and rare condition that presents with neurological deficit and headache accompanied by lymphocytosis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. It is usually characterized by spontaneous recovery without neurological sequelae. This is a benign condition, which has not yet been adequately defined and includes many diseases in the differential diagnosis. We indicated 2 different cases that applied with acute neurological findings. CASE REPORT Two patients who were admitted to our hospital with transient neurological deficits and headaches were evaluated. There was no significant pathology in cranial imaging and EEG reports. Lymphocytic pleocytosis was observed in CSF. Patients were followed up with attacks but were discharged without deficits. We diagnosed the patients with HaNDL syndrome with clinical features, imaging, and laboratory findings. CONCLUSION HaNDL is an underdiagnosed syndrome and it should be considered especially for young patients with headaches is prominent without a risk factor for ischemia, recurrent episodes with neurological symptoms, CSF pleocytosis, and normal imaging findings.Therefore, we wanted to raise awareness for the existence of this rare disease which is a waste of time by performing unnecessary tests and therapies during the diagnosis period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadriye Güleda Keskin
- Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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2
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Trimboli M, Troisi L, Caricato A, Della Marca G, Pennisi MA. Acute confusional state in HaNDL syndrome. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3017-3028. [PMID: 37010670 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06788-8] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess epidemiological, clinical and neuroimaging features of acute confusional state in the Headache and Neurological Deficits with cerebrospinal fluid Lymphocytosis (HaNDL) syndrome. BACKGROUND HaNDL is an increasingly recognized syndrome in which migraine-like headache episodes accompanied by hemiparaesthesia and/or hemiparesis and/or dysphasia are associated to CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) includes HaNDL syndrome in group 7 "headache attributed to non-vascular intracranial disorder" code 7.3.5, and lists the HaNDL-associated signs/symptoms that may be found less frequently. Confusional state is not mentioned in the 7.3.5-ICHD-3 "notes" or "comments" section as part of the HaNDL neurological spectrum. Moreover, the acute confusional state pathogenesis in HaNDL syndrome remains still uncertain and debated. METHODS Here, we report a 32-year-old male who complained episodes of migraine-like headache and left hemiparaesthesia complicated by confusional state which led to discovering CSF lymphocytosis. Since other workup to determine the cause of his symptoms was otherwise negative, he was diagnosed as having HaNDL syndrome. We also ascertained and reviewed all available reports of HaNDL to assess the significance of confusional state in this syndrome. RESULTS The search yielded 159 HaNDL cases among single reports and small/large series. Out of 159 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for HaNDL according to the current ICHD at the time of diagnosis, 41 (25.7%) presented with acute confusional state. Among 41 HaNDL patients with confusional state, 16 (66.6%) out of 24 who underwent spinal tap had increased opening pressure. CONCLUSION We propose that a mention of acute confusional state may be included in the "comments" section of "7.3.5-syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL)," when ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria will be updated. Moreover, we speculate that intracranial hypertension may play a role in the pathogenesis of the acute confusional state associated to HaNDL syndrome. Larger case series are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Trimboli
- Institute of Neurology, AOU Mater Domini, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Letizia Troisi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anselmo Caricato
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, IRCCS, A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS, A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Alberto Pennisi
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, IRCCS, A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Khalili N, Wang R, Garg T, Ahmed A, Hoseinyazdi M, Sair HI, Luna LP, Intrapiromkul J, Deng F, Yedavalli V. Clinical application of brain perfusion imaging in detecting stroke mimics: A review. J Neuroimaging 2023; 33:44-57. [PMID: 36207276 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke mimics constitute a significant proportion of patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke. These conditions may resemble acute ischemic stroke and demonstrate abnormalities on perfusion imaging sequences. The most common stroke mimics include seizure/epilepsy, migraine with aura, brain tumors, functional disorders, infectious encephalopathies, Wernicke's encephalopathy, and metabolic abnormalities. Brain perfusion imaging techniques, particularly computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance perfusion, are being widely used in routine clinical practice for treatment selection in patients presenting with large vessel occlusion. At the same time, the utilization of these imaging modalities enables the opportunity to better diagnose patients with stroke mimics in a time-sensitive setting, leading to appropriate management, decision-making, and resource allocation. In this review, we describe patterns of perfusion abnormalities that could discriminate patients with stroke mimics from those with acute ischemic stroke and provide specific case examples to illustrate these perfusion abnormalities. In addition, we discuss the challenges associated with interpretation of perfusion images in stroke-related pathologies. In general, perfusion imaging can provide additional information in some cases-when used in combination with conventional magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography-and might help in detecting stroke mimics among patients who present with acute onset focal neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Khalili
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard Wang
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tushar Garg
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amara Ahmed
- Department of Radiology, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Meisam Hoseinyazdi
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haris I Sair
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Licia P Luna
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jarunee Intrapiromkul
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Francis Deng
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Fiamingo G, Canavero I, Gastaldi M, Coloberti E, Buongarzone G, Ghiotto N, Bacila A, Costa A, Ravaglia S. HaNDL syndrome: a reversible cerebral vasoconstriction triggered by an infection? A case report and a case-based review. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:196. [PMID: 36209134 PMCID: PMC9548142 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The syndrome of transient Headache and Neurological Deficits with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Lymphocytosis (HaNDL) is classified among secondary headaches attributed to “non-infectious, inflammatory intracranial disease”. Despite its classification among secondary headaches, the current definition of HaNDL does not contemplate a causal agent. Thus, the aetiology, as well as the pathogenesis of both the headache and the transient focal deficits, remains unknown. Case presentation We describe a 29-year-old healthy male developing episodes of thunderclap headaches associated with recurrence of hemiparesis/hemi-paraesthesia; CSF showed lymphocytosis 200/mm3 and increased albumin; brain MRI revealed widespread leptomeningeal enhancement and a non-enhancing, circular diffusion restriction in the splenium of corpus callosum. Screening for neurotropic pathogens detected Epstein-Barr (EBV) DNA in serum and CSF, interpreted as a primary EBV infection once the seroconversion of EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgM to IgG was proven on follow-up. Transcranial Doppler detected, during headache, increased flow velocity in middle cerebral arteries, possibly indicating vasospasm. Oral nimodipine was administered, with prompt clinical recovery, resolution of CSF/MRI abnormalities, and normalization of flow velocities in middle cerebral arteries. Case-based review Although the definition of HaNDL does not contemplate a viral trigger or abnormal brain imaging, we found other literature cases of HaNDL associated with direct or indirect signs of CNS infection. Conclusions At least in a proportion of patients, a viral aetiology may have a role in HaNDL. Whatever the aetiology, we suggest that the pathogenic mechanism may rely on the (viral or other) agent ultimately triggering cerebral vasoconstriction, which would explain both focal symptoms and headache. Calcium channel blockers might be a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Fiamingo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Isabella Canavero
- Cerebrovascular Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Gastaldi
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Coloberti
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Buongarzone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Ana Bacila
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Costa
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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Lakatos LB, Christ M, Müller M, Bolognese M. „Stroke mimics“ – Differenzialdiagnose des Schlaganfalls in der Notfallmedizin. Notf Rett Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-021-00877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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HaNDL Syndrome Presenting with Thunderclap Headache. Case Rep Neurol Med 2021; 2021:9925004. [PMID: 34194857 PMCID: PMC8184320 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9925004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transient headache and neurologic deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) is defined as a secondary, nonvascular headache disorder characterized by the findings described in its name. Patients with HaNDL syndrome typically present with gradual onset migrainous headaches of moderate to severe intensity with transient neurological symptoms. Case Report. We discuss a patient who presented with thunderclap headache, recent transient neurologic deficits, and was ultimately diagnosed with HaNDL after an extensive neurologic evaluation. Conclusion Thunderclap headache has very rarely been described in patients with HaNDL. After excluding emergent and secondary causes, HaNDL should be considered in patients with thunderclap-quality headaches, particularly when there is a history of transient neurological symptoms.
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Gonzalez-Martinez A, Trillo S, Benavides-Bernaldo de Quirós C, Casado-Fernández L, De Toledo M, Barbosa-Del Olmo A, Vega Piris L, Ramos C, Manzanares-Soler R, Ximénez-Carrillo Á, Vivancos J. Predictors of perfusion computed tomography alterations in stroke mimics attended as stroke code. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:1939-1948. [PMID: 33609295 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stroke mimics (SMs) account for a significant number of patients attended as stroke code (SC) with an increasing number over the years. Recent studies show perfusion computed tomography (PCT) alterations in some SMs, especially in seizures. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and PCT alterations in SMs attended as SC in order to identify potential predictors of PCT alterations in SMs. METHODS A retrospective study was performed including all SC activations undergoing a multimodal CT study including non-enhanced computed tomography (CT), CT angiography and PCT, as part of our SC protocol, over 39 months. Patients with a final diagnosis of SM after complete diagnosis work-up were therefore selected. Clinical variables, diagnosis, PCT alteration patterns and type of map affected (Tmax or time to peak, cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume) were registered. RESULTS Stroke mimics represent up to 16% (284/1761) of SCs with a complete multimodal study according to our series. Amongst SMs, 26% (74/284) showed PCT alterations. PCT abnormalities are more prevalent in seizures and status epilepticus and the main pattern is alteration of the time to peak map, of unilateral hemispheric distribution or of non-vascular territory. In our series, the independent predictors of alteration in PCT in SMs are aphasia, female sex and older age. CONCLUSIONS Perfusion computed tomography alterations can be found amongst almost a third of SMs attended as SC, especially older women presenting with aphasia with a final diagnosis of epileptic seizures and status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gonzalez-Martinez
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology and, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Trillo
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology and, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura Casado-Fernández
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology and, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - María De Toledo
- Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Barbosa-Del Olmo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Vega Piris
- Methodological Support Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ramos
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology and, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Manzanares-Soler
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Ximénez-Carrillo
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology and, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Vivancos
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology and, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain
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Salazar-Orellana JLI, Prado-Miranda G, Maldonado-Ortiz A. Agraphia: Presenting Feature of Syndrome of Transient Headache and Neurological Deficits With Cerebrospinal Fluid Lymphocytosis (HaNDL). Cureus 2021; 13:e13178. [PMID: 33717723 PMCID: PMC7941604 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a 48-year-old man with a history of episodes of severe headache, accompanied by motor aphasia and agraphia, with complete recovery between episodes. The neurological examination revealed no abnormality. A lumbar puncture was performed and showed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis ruled out viral, bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, treponemal, and NMDA receptor antibodies. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram revealed no abnormalities. A focal frontotemporal area of hypoperfusion was detected in brain single-photon emission tomography. A diagnosis of syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) was made to the patient and then treated with ibuprofen 400 mg three times per day with excellent response. He remained asymptomatic and free of any relapse during six months of following. We presented a typical case of HaNDL that manifests with agraphia, a transient focal neurological deficit non previously reported. Showing that the clinical picture could probably be any sign and symptom related to focal cortical alteration due to cortical transient hypoperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gala Prado-Miranda
- Department of Neurology, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City, MEX
| | - Amelia Maldonado-Ortiz
- Department of Neurology, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Mexico City, MEX
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Abstract
Headache and Neurologic Deficits with cerebrospinal fluid Lymphocytosis (HaNDL) syndrome is a rare stroke mimicker characterized by moderate to severe headache temporally associated with transient neurologic deficits, typically hemiparesis, hemisensory disturbance, and/or aphasia. Cerebrospinal fluid studies reveal a lymphocytosis and elevated protein. Episodes recur over a period no longer than 3 months. Here we describe the case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with 3 episodes of self-resolving neurologic deficits, papilledema on fundoscopic examination, and leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We additionally review the 30 previously reported pediatric cases of HaNDL syndrome, with a focus on possible etiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease. The reported case and literature review highlight the benign episodic nature of this likely underrecognized syndrome as well as the higher than expected frequency of abnormal neuroimaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Armstrong-Javors
- 1 Department of Pediatric Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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