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Kaufmann J, Buecke P, Meinel T, Beyeler M, Scutelnic A, Kaesmacher J, Mujanović A, Dobrocky T, Arsany H, Peters N, Z'Graggen W, Jung S, Seiffge D. Frequency of ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage in patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) - A systematic review. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16246. [PMID: 38470001 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) may cause ischaemic stroke and intracranial haemorrhage. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency of the afore-mentioned outcomes. METHODS We performed a PROSPERO-registered (CRD42022355704) systematic review and meta-analysis accessing PubMed until 7 November 2022. The inclusion criteria were: (1) original publication, (2) adult patients (≥18 years), (3) enrolling patients with PRES and/or RCVS, (4) English language and (5) outcome information. Outcomes were frequency of (1) ischaemic stroke and (2) intracranial haemorrhage, divided into subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH). The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used. RESULTS We identified 848 studies and included 48 relevant studies after reviewing titles, abstracts and full text. We found 11 studies on RCVS (unselected patients), reporting on 2746 patients. Among the patients analysed, 15.9% (95% CI 9.6%-23.4%) had ischaemic stroke and 22.1% (95% CI 10%-39.6%) had intracranial haemorrhage. A further 20.3% (95% CI 11.2%-31.2%) had SAH and 6.7% (95% CI 3.6%-10.7%) had IPH. Furthermore, we found 28 studies on PRES (unselected patients), reporting on 1385 patients. Among the patients analysed, 11.2% (95% CI 7.9%-15%) had ischaemic stroke and 16.1% (95% CI 12.3%-20.3%) had intracranial haemorrhage. Further, 7% (95% CI 4.7%-9.9%) had SAH and 9.7% (95% CI 5.4%-15%) had IPH. CONCLUSIONS Intracranial haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke are common outcomes in PRES and RCVS. The frequency reported in the individual studies varied considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Buecke
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Meinel
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Morin Beyeler
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Scutelnic
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kaesmacher
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adnan Mujanović
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Dobrocky
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hakim Arsany
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nils Peters
- Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University Department of Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Stroke Center, Hirslanden Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Werner Z'Graggen
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simon Jung
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Seiffge
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Erhart DK, Ludolph AC, Althaus K. RCVS: by clinicians for clinicians-a narrative review. J Neurol 2023; 270:673-88. [PMID: 36305970 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11425-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may be underdiagnosed. It can be accompanied by various complications, mainly intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. The clinical presentation of this condition varies according to its localization. The aims of this review are to raise awareness of the disease, especially in the presence of corresponding risk factors; to connect its precipitating factors, pathophysiology, and complications; and to compare various differential diagnoses of vasoconstriction. METHODS A review of the literature in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted from May 1997 until May 2022. RESULTS Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which is a clinical-radiological syndrome, is mainly characterized by the occurrence of thunderclap headache and widespread vasoconstriction. The most common precipitating factors are the use of vasoactive substances and postpartum status. The pathophysiology is currently assumed to include two mechanisms: sympathetic overactivity and endothelial dysfunction. From these mechanisms, it is possible to derive potential complications as well as the most important differential diagnoses: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and primary angiitis of the central nervous system. CONCLUSION In general, the outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is very good. Vasospasm as well as thunderclap headache attacks can be fully reversible, and > 90% of patients are functionally independent at discharge.
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Sano K, Kuge A, Kondo R, Yamaki T, Homma H, Saito S, Sonoda Y. Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction with cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome concomitant with vertebral artery dissection diagnosed by
MRI MSDE
method: A case report and review of literature. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6257. [PMID: 36110331 PMCID: PMC9465692 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Headache is one of the most common symptoms encountered during the postpartum period. The cause may be unknown, or the following illnesses are possible: cervical artery dissection (CAD), reversible posterior cerebral encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and reversible cerebral vasoconstrictor syndrome (RCVS). It is suggested that they are interrelated and share a similar mechanism such as small vessel endothelial dysfunction, deficiencies in self‐regulation, and decreased sympathetic innervation of the posterior circulation. However, there are few reports of neuroradiological findings. We experienced a rare case of multiple postpartum vascular disease occurring at the same time. A 38‐year‐old woman suddenly developed thunderclap headache after giving birth. She was clear and had no neuropathy. Computed tomography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, including the cortical surface of the frontal lobe. Magnetic resonance image fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery revealed high‐intensity area in the bilateral basal ganglia and right occipital cortex. Angiography showed “string sausage” and extracranial left vertebral artery stenosis, but no aneurysm. Based on the clinical course and neuroradiological findings, we diagnosed her as postpartum vascular disease including CAD, PRES, RCVS, and cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Three‐dimensional black blood T1‐weighted images using a motion‐sensitized driven equilibrium three‐dimensional turbo spin echo (MSDE) sequencing method revealed an intramural hematoma consistent with the extracranial vertebral artery. After 3 months, MSDE lost its abnormal signal. Our case was rare in that multiple phenomena of postpartum vascular disease occurred at the same time. In particular, we could reveal that this speculation was reversible in the MRI MSDE sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenshi Sano
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuge
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
- Department of Emergency Medicine Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
| | - Rei Kondo
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
| | - Tetsu Yamaki
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
| | - Shinjiro Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata City Hospital Saiseikan Yamagata Japan
| | - Yukihiko Sonoda
- Department of Neurosurgery Yamagata University, School of Medicine Yamagata Japan
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Perillo T, Paolella C, Perrotta G, Serino A, Caranci F, Manto A. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: review of neuroimaging findings. Radiol Med 2022; 127:981-990. [PMID: 35932443 PMCID: PMC9362037 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-022-01532-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a group of disorders characterized by segmental narrowing and dilatation of medium-to-large cerebral arteries, clinically presenting with recurrent episodes of sudden-onset thunderclap headaches, with or without focal neurological deficits. Cerebral vasoconstriction is typically reversible, with spontaneous resolution within 3 months. Although the syndrome has generally a benign course, patients with neurological deficits may experience worse outcome. The main imaging finding is segmental constriction of intracranial arteries, which can be associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and/or ischemic foci. Other possible findings are intracranial hemorrhage, subdural bleeding and cerebral edema. The latter may have a pattern which can resemble that of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a condition that can overlap with RCVS. New imaging techniques, such as vessel wall imaging and arterial spin labeling, are proving useful in RCVS and are giving new insights into the pathophysiology of this condition. In this paper, we aim to review neuroimaging findings of RCVS.
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Ospel JM, Wright CH, Jung R, Vidal LLM, Manjila S, Singh G, Heck DV, Ray A, Blackham KA. Intra-Arterial Verapamil Treatment in Oral Therapy-Refractory Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2019; 41:293-299. [PMID: 31879333 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Reversible vasoconstriction syndrome is a complex of clinical symptoms and angiographic findings, which, while having a mostly benign clinical course, has clinical and imaging overlap with more serious disorders such as vasculitis and aneurysmal SAH and itself includes a minority of patients with fulminant vasoconstriction resulting in severe intracranial complications. Endovascular options for patients with refractory reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome include intra-arterial vasodilator infusion similar to therapy for patients with vasospasm after SAH. To date, only case reports and 1 small series have discussed the utility of intra-arterial vasodilators for the treatment of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. We report an additional series of 11 medically refractory cases of presumed or proved reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome successfully treated with intra-arterial verapamil infusion. Furthermore, we propose that the reversal of vasoconstriction, as seen on angiography, could fulfill a diagnostic criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ospel
- From the Department of Radiology (J.M.O., K.A.B.), Section of Neuroradiology and Interventional Neuroradiology, Basel University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - C H Wright
- Departments of Neurological Surgery (C.H.W.)
| | - R Jung
- Department of Neurology (R.J.), The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, LIfebridge Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - L L M Vidal
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (L.L.M.V.), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - S Manjila
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurosciences (S.M.), McLaren Bay Region Hospital, Bay City, Michigan
| | - G Singh
- Department of Radiology (G.S.), Section of Neuroradiology, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey
| | - D V Heck
- Forsyth Radiological Associates (D.V.H.), Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - A Ray
- Neurosurgery (A.R.), University Hospitals of Cleveland Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - K A Blackham
- From the Department of Radiology (J.M.O., K.A.B.), Section of Neuroradiology and Interventional Neuroradiology, Basel University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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6
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina M. Burton
- From the Department of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI (T.M.B.)
| | - Cheryl D. Bushnell
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC (C.D.B.)
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8
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Santos L, Azevedo E. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome - A narrative revision of the literature. Porto Biomed J 2016; 1:65-71. [PMID: 32258552 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a not very well known clinical-imaging entity; it is characterized by thunderclap headache, which mimics an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and a diffuse and segmental constriction of cerebral arteries, that resolves spontaneously within 3 months. The pathophysiology remains unknown. The female gender is the more affected and more than half of cases occur in the puerperium or after exposure to vasoactive substances. Typically, RCVS is self-limited and has a benign course, although it may have more serious complications with permanent neurologic sequelae and death. Treatment is predominantly supportive and directed to the symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Santos
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elsa Azevedo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ducros
- Department of Neurology; Montpellier University Hospital, and Montpellier University; Montpellier France (A. Ducros)
| | - Valérie Wolff
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology; Strasbourg University Hospital; Strasbourg France (V. Wolff)
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10
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Yap L, Dyde RA, Hodgson TJ, Patel UJ, Coley SC. Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and negative initial vascular imaging--should further investigation depend upon the pattern of hemorrhage on the presenting CT? Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2015; 157:1477-84. [PMID: 26174752 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-015-2506-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple investigations are usually performed in patients with spontaneous SAH who have negative initial angiography. This study aimed to evaluate the most appropriate use of additional imaging studies and how this may be influenced by the findings of the initial CT. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on a prospectively collected cohort of patients referred with spontaneous SAH and negative initial angiography. The patients were divided into four categories based upon the distribution of blood on the initial CT: perimesencephalic (pSAH), diffuse (dSAH), sulcal (sSAH) and CT negative (CSF positive for xanthochromia) (nCT-pLP). The number and nature of the subsequent imaging investigations were reviewed, and the results were correlated with the findings of the presenting CT. RESULTS One hundred fourteen patients were included in the study. Repeat imaging found five relevant abnormalities. Three cases of vasculitis were diagnosed on the first DSA following a negative CTA. A case of dissecting aneurysm was revealed on the third neurovascular study. A hemorrhagic spinal tumor presented with xanthochromia. No subsequent abnormality was found on the third DSA or MRI head. No case of pSAH had a subsequent positive finding if the initial CTA was negative. CONCLUSIONS Certain patterns of SAH are associated with a low yield of abnormalities on repeat imaging if the initial angiography is normal. The authors believe that the pattern of hemorrhage on the presenting CT should be used to guide the most appropriate use of further imaging modalities and present a diagnostic algorithm for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yap
- Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK,
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11
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Kushkuley J, Feroze AH, Choudhri OA. Diffuse Intracranial and Extracranial Vascular Involvement in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. Clin Neuroradiol 2015; 25:301-304. [DOI: 10.1007/s00062-014-0335-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Natarajan SK, Mokin M, Sonig A, Levy EI. Neuroimaging of headaches associated with vascular disorders. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2015; 19:16. [PMID: 26017708 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-015-0489-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Headaches from vascular causes need to be differentiated from primary headaches because a misdiagnosis may lead to dire consequences for the patient. Neuroimaging is critical in identifying patients with vascular headaches and identifying the nature of the pathologic disorder causing these headaches. In addition, the imaging findings guide the physician regarding the optimal treatment modality for these lesions. This review summarizes the nuances of differentiating patients with secondary headaches related to vascular disease and discusses pertinent neuroimaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabareesh K Natarajan
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 100 High Street, Suite B4, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
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Skeik N, Porten BR, Kadkhodayan Y, McDonald W, Lahham F. Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: Review and analysis of the current data. Vasc Med 2015; 20:256-65. [DOI: 10.1177/1358863x14567976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (PPRCVS) is a rare but serious cause of headache that occurs in the early postpartum period. The rarity of this disorder has limited the current literature to single case reports and small, observational case series. The lack of familiarity with PPRCVS may contribute to mismanagement of these unique patients and lead to poor outcomes. To address current gaps in the understanding of PPRCVS, this review and data analysis characterizes the demographics, presentation, clinical course, management and prognosis of PPRCVS and provides a general review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis to assist clinicians who may care for patients with this rare disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedaa Skeik
- Vascular Medicine, Minneapolis Heart Institute, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Yasha Kadkhodayan
- Department of Pathology, Interventional Neuroradiology, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Firas Lahham
- Internal Medicine, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Miller TR, Shivashankar R, Mossa-Basha M, Gandhi D. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome, Part 2: Diagnostic Work-Up, Imaging Evaluation, and Differential Diagnosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1580-8. [PMID: 25614476 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic evaluation of a patient with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome integrates clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Imaging plays an important role by confirming the presence of cerebral vasoconstriction; monitoring potential complications such as ischemic stroke; and suggesting alternative diagnoses, including CNS vasculitis and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Noninvasive vascular imaging, including transcranial Doppler sonography and MR angiography, has played an increasingly important role in this regard, though conventional angiography remains the criterion standard for the evaluation of cerebral artery vasoconstriction. Newer imaging techniques, including high-resolution vessel wall imaging, may help in the future to better discriminate reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome from primary angiitis of the CNS, an important clinical distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Miller
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R Shivashankar
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Mossa-Basha
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology (M.M.-B.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - D Gandhi
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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15
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Miller TR, Shivashankar R, Mossa-Basha M, Gandhi D. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome, Part 1: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Course. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1392-9. [PMID: 25593203 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a clinical and radiologic syndrome that represents a common presentation of a diverse group of disorders. The syndrome is characterized by thunderclap headache and reversible vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, which can either be spontaneous or related to an exogenous trigger. The pathophysiology of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is unknown, though alterations in cerebral vascular tone are thought to be a key underlying mechanism. The syndrome typically follows a benign course; however, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may result in permanent disability or death in a small minority of patients secondary to complications such as ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Miller
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R Shivashankar
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Mossa-Basha
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology (M.M.-B.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - D Gandhi
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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16
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Choi KS, Yi HJ. Progressive manifestations of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2014; 56:419-22. [PMID: 25535520 PMCID: PMC4273001 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2014.56.5.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset headache with focal neurologic deficit and prolonged but reversible multifocal narrowing of the distal cerebral arteries. Stroke, either hemorrhagic or ischemic, is a relatively frequent presentation in RCVS, but progressive manifestations of subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction in a patient is seldom described. We report a rare case of a 56-year-old woman with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome consecutively presenting as cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction. When she complained of severe headache with subtle cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage, her angiography was non-specific. But, computed tomographic angiography showed typical angiographic features of this syndrome after four days. Day 12, she suffered mental deterioration and hemiplegia due to contralateral intracerebral hematoma, and she was surgically treated. For recurrent attacks of headache, medical management with calcium channel blockers has been instituted. Normalized angiographic features were documented after 8 weeks. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome should be considered as differential diagnosis of non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and repeated angiography is recommended for the diagnosis of this under-recognized syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Sun Choi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeong-Joong Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Abstract
Recurrent thunderclap headaches, seizures, strokes, and non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage can all reveal reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. This increasingly recognised syndrome is characterised by severe headaches, with or without other symptoms, and segmental constriction of cerebral arteries that resolves within 3 months. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is supposedly due to a transient disturbance in the control of cerebrovascular tone. More than half the cases occur post partum or after exposure to adrenergic or serotonergic drugs. Manifestations have a uniphasic course, and vary from pure cephalalgic forms to rare catastrophic forms associated with several haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes, brain oedema, and death. Diagnosis can be hampered by the dynamic nature of clinicoradiological features. Stroke can occur a few days after initial normal imaging, and cerebral vasoconstriction is at a maximum on angiograms 2-3 weeks after clinical onset. The calcium channel blocker nimodipine seems to reduce thunderclap headaches within 48 h of administration, but has no proven effect on haemorrhagic and ischaemic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ducros
- Emergency Headache Centre, Head and Neck Clinic, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France.
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18
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Quartuccio L, Tuniz F, Petralia B, Zanotti B, Skrap M, Vita SD. Delayed Positivization of Cerebral Angiography in Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) Presenting with Recurrent Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. Open Rheumatol J 2012; 6:175-9. [PMID: 22870164 PMCID: PMC3412200 DOI: 10.2174/1874312901206010175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign angiopathy of the central nervous system is a clinical syndrome with evidence of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction (RCVS). Haemorrhagic stroke, either subarachnoid or intracerebral is an unusual presentation of RCVS. We describe a case of RCVS presenting with a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), with rebleeding and onset of hydrocephalus during the first week, and, notably, delayed evidence of typical angiographic features after two negative prior exams. Normalization of the angiographic vasculitic-like lesions was documented at month +6. Repeated cerebral angiograms are mandatory to exclude this kind of disease, and the uncommon presentation of this case reinforces this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Quartuccio
- Clinic of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, DSMB, Italy
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