Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Complicated by Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis Presenting with Simultaneous Multiple Intracerebral Hemorrhages

Intern Med. 2018 Apr 15;57(8):1167-1172. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9660-17. Epub 2017 Dec 27.

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), including pachymeningitis and CNS vasculitis, is uncommon. Although intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been reported in GPA, simultaneous multiple ICH (SMICH) is rare. We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman with a history of a limited form of GPA with chronic pachymeningitis who presented with acute-onset headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and who developed consciousness impairment. Computed tomography revealed bilateral subcortical ICH. Sinus thrombosis was not apparent on angiography. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroid therapy. The cause of the steroid-responsive SMICH in this case was unknown, but it might have been CNS vasculitis. Patients with GPA may present with SMICH, which is considered an indication for immunosuppressive therapy.

Keywords: granulomatosis with polyangiitis; multiple intracerebral hemorrhages; pachymeningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Female
  • Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy / complications
  • Meningitis / complications*
  • Meningitis / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged