High-Resolution Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Varicella-Zoster Virus Vasculitis

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2016 Jun;25(6):e74-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2016.03.019. Epub 2016 Apr 7.

Abstract

Varicella-zoster virus vasculopathy is a rare but potentially treatable condition. Diagnosis has been based on angiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. High-resolution vessel wall MRI may aid to the diagnosis by differentiating inflammation from other vessel wall pathologies. We present the characteristic MRI findings of this condition in a young patient presenting with ischemic stroke.

Keywords: Black-blood MRI; brain MRI; varicella-zoster virus; vasculitis; vessel wall.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebral Angiography / methods
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / drug therapy
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arterial Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intracranial Arterial Diseases / drug therapy
  • Intracranial Arterial Diseases / virology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / drug therapy
  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / virology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents