Giant cell angiitis of the central nervous system with atypical presentation

Neuropathology. 2010 Aug;30(4):434-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2009.01073.x. Epub 2009 Nov 18.

Abstract

Giant cell angiitis of the CNS is an uncommon form of vasculitis. Neurological manifestations, both of the peripheral and CNS, are common. The most frequent manifestations are visual loss and stroke. Hemorrhagic onset is uncommon. Most cases have a fatal outcome and a tissue diagnosis is rarely established in life. We describe an unusual case of giant cell angiitis beginning as a hemorrhagic tumoral-like lesion. The results of the histological and ultrastructural analysis have also been reported. Our case illustrates that giant cell angiitis should be considered as a cause of intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly when associated with a relapsing and remitting disease of the CNS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications
  • Aged
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / complications
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Giant Cells / ultrastructure*
  • Hematoma / complications
  • Hematoma / pathology
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / complications
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Stomach Neoplasms / complications
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / complications
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / pathology*