Primary angiitis of the central nervous system in a patient with transient episodes of headache and aphasia: A case report

Abstract

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) refers to a rare form of vasculitis of unknown cause, with a challenging diagnostic work-up. We report the case of a 57-year-old patient who presented with transient episodes of headache and global aphasia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis with moderate elevated protein and normal glucose. CSF and serum tests for infections and autoimmune/ paraneoplastic antibodies were negative, except CSF polymerase chain reaction testing that detected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with intravenous gadolinium showed meningeal enhancement and pachymeningitis. Due to continuous relapsing episodes of aphasia, a leptomeningeal and brain tissue biopsy was performed and revealed lesions of granulomatous necrotizing vasculitis of medium-sized leptomeningeal and intracranial vessels, as well as negative in situ hybridism for EBV. A diagnosis of primary granulomatous necrotizing angiitis of Central Nervous System was made and the patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and oral cyclophosphamide, showing excellent response to treatment. Diversity in clinical and laboratory features makes it difficult for PACNS to be distinguished by other systemic vasculitides. Laboratory tests and neuro-imaging can provide guidance in evaluation of the patients and exclude other possible causes, but tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for a definite diagnosis.