Spinal Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis Causing Thoracic Myelopathy in a Patient of Takayasu Arteritis: A Case Report

Immune-Mediated Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis and its Mimickers: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare and chronic inflammatory disorder presenting as localized or diffuse thickening of the dura mater. It can be idiopathic or an unusual manifestation of immune-mediated, infectious, and neoplastic conditions. Although some cases may remain asymptomatic, HP can lead to progressive headaches, cranial nerve palsies, hydrocephalus, and other neurological complications, which makes its recognition a fundamental step for prompt treatment. Regarding the diagnosis workup, enhanced MRI is the most useful imaging method to evaluate dural thickening. This article addresses the MR imaging patterns of immune-mediated HP, including immunoglobulin G4-related disease, neurosarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, rheumatoid pachymeningitis, and idiopathic HP. The main infectious and neoplastic mimicking entities are also discussed with reference to conventional and advanced MR sequences.

Thoracic Compressive Myelopathy in a Patient With Takayasu Arteritis

Takayasu arteritis (TA), also known as occlusive thromboaortopathy, is a type of chronic inflammatory arteritis that primarily affects large vessels. Compressive thoracic myelopathy is a rare and distinct manifestation of TA. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who developed gradually progressive spastic paraplegia over one year. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined extra-dual, intensely enhancing ventrodorsal lesion with severe spinal cord impingement. The aortogram revealed dilatation of the aortic arch (with narrowing of arch vessels) and descending aorta, as well as a right paravertebral soft tissue mass at the D4 level. Given the likelihood of TA, the patient underwent decompressive laminectomy and spinal fusion due to severe spinal cord compression. The biopsy of the dural-based lesion revealed an inflammatory granuloma, and the patient was treated postoperatively with oral prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil. After six months of immunotherapy, there was excellent neurological recovery and near-total resolution of the lesion.