Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­

Explore the latest content from across our publications

Log In

Forgot Password?
Create New Account

Loading... please wait

Abstract Details

Reversible ICA Stenosis Associated With Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Related Vasculitis
Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology
P12 - Poster Session 12 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
4-003
We report a case of reversible ICA stenosis due to chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) related vasculitis. 
cGVHD is a rare cause of CNS vasculitis. It can involve small to medium to large vessels. Early recognition and treatment with immunosuppressants can improve outcomes.
Case report

A 35 year-old Caucasian male with history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation 6 years ago presented with 3 month history of gradually worsening headaches with photophobia and one week history of right arm numbness. Exam was notable for right arm drift. Brain MRI revealed multifocal enhancing and diffusion restriction lesions with T2/FLAIR hyperintensity in bilateral frontal, parietal, and right parieto-occipital lobes. Differentials included stroke and post-transplant leukoencephalopathy. Rheumatological, infectious and malignancy workup was unrevealing except for positive serum EBV PCR. CT angiography (CTA) head and neck showed mild stenosis of right cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) and normal left ICA. Three days later patient developed acute left side weakness. Follow-up MRI showed new multifocal diffusion restriction lesions suggestive of stroke. Repeat CTA showed complete left ICA occlusion and 80% right ICA stenosis confirmed with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). MRA head and neck revealed diffuse vessel wall thickening and enhancement of bilateral ICAs, basilar, vertebral and left middle cerebral arteries suspicious for vasculitis. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed ejection fraction of 30%. The patient was empirically treated with 3 days of intravenous methylprednisolone and one dose of cyclophosphamide. He responded well to treatment. Follow-up DSA six days post treatment demonstrated reversal of right ICA stenosis from 80 to 20% and did not require stenting. Left ICA occlusion was unchanged. Ejection fraction improved to 60% from 30%. 

 

This case illustrates a rare cause of stroke and ICA stenosis due to cGVHD-related vasculitis. Here we objectively demonstrate reversal of ICA stenosis following immunosuppression.
Authors/Disclosures
Varalakshmi Ballur Narayana Reddy, MD (University of Pennsylvania)
PRESENTER
No disclosure on file
Rebecca Jules, MD Dr. Jules has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Crexont.
Nikolaus McFarland, MD, PhD, FÂé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ (University of Florida) Dr. McFarland has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Sutter Health. Dr. McFarland has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for ONO Pharmaceuticals. Dr. McFarland has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Ferrer. The institution of Dr. McFarland has received research support from NIH, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Huntington Disease Society for America, CurePSP, and Mission MSA.. Dr. McFarland has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.