Clinical Analysis and MRI Features of Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical and imaging feature of primary angiitis of the central nervous system(PACNS),in order to find the key point of diagnosis.Materials and Methods Pathological or clinical proved PACNS 9 cases,3 men and 5 women,ranging from 19～73 years old with average 40.2 years old.All were examined with MRI and 4 by enhanced scan:8 with MRA and 2 with DSA.Clinical information and all films(MRI and DSA)were analyzed.Results In 8 cases of PACNS,1cases were proved by operation or biopsy,and 7 cases were proved by clinical follow-up.8 cases were located supratentorial,most were in frontal lobe,3 cases were multiple focuses in both sides;4 cases were located infratentorial and brain sten and spinal.On imaging,most focuses were with blurry margin,and the regions were accordant with that of the blood vessel.The lesions involved gray matter and white matter,but mostly in white matter,edema could be seen in some cases.Different grade of enhancement could be seen,the enhancement may be patchy or convolutional,even nodulous witch was resemble with tumor.The sign of angiitis could be seen in angiography.Conclusion The clinical and imaging features of PACNS are various,CT and MRI ale valuable,MRA and DSA are helpful in diagnosis,but the diagnosis must given by pathological examination. Key words: Angiitis central nervous system; Magnetic resonance imaging Imaging; Diagnosis