Levamisole-Induced Leukoencephalopathy in Russia: Analysis of 30 Cases

Perivascular enhancement pattern: Identification, diagnostic spectrum and practical approach - A pictorial review

Perivascular spaces (PVS) are fluid-filled structures that form the immediate peripheral environment of small cerebral vessels. They are a central component of the glymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining cerebral homeostasis. Their involvement in central nervous system diseases is currently a major focus of research, particularly in neuroimaging. Pathological enhancement of PVS on post-contrast MRI sequences creates a distinctive pattern due to their topography. As with other intracranial enhancement patterns, a differential diagnosis approach can be applied to perivascular enhancement (PVE). However, it is particularly challenging due to the rarity and complexity of the conditions involved. This article aims to facilitate the recognition of PVE pattern, to highlight the various causal conditions and to propose a practical diagnostic approach.

Levamisole-associated multifocal inflammatory encephalopathy: clinical and MRI characteristics, and diagnostic algorithm

Levamisole-associated multifocal inflammatory encephalopathy (LAMIE) is a devastating adverse effect of levamisole (LEV) treatment. In Russia, people often use LEV without a doctor's prescription for anthelmintic prophylaxis. LAMIE often misdiagnosed as the first episode of MS or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The aim of our study was to describe clinical, laboratory and morphological characteristics of LAMIE, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns and create an algorithm for the differential diagnosis. This study was a prospective observational study with retrospective analysis of cases. It was performed at two hospitals with ambulatory service for MS. We included 43 patients with LAMIE with follow-up was from 1 year to 5 years. Age was 19-68 y.o. with female predominance. The most typical manifestations of LAMIE were cerebellar, pyramidal and cognitive symptoms, and majority of patients had biphasic course of the disease. Three main types of MRI patterns were described: ADEM-like, MS-like, atypical demyelination. About 40% of patients had CSF specific oligoclonal bands synthesis, but only 20 % of them converted to MS during the period from 1 month until 2 years. The CSF albumin levels and immunoglobulin G index were elevated in LAMIE patients compared to reference values. We described results of brain biopsy in two cases. Therefore LAMIE should be considered in patients with demyelinating or inflammatory conditions with biphasic onset of the disease and variable MRI presentation.