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Inflammatory Vasculitides of the Central Nervous System

  • Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke (S Silverman, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

To provide an approach to the evaluation and management of primary and secondary inflammatory vasculitides affecting the central nervous system (CNS).

Recent findings

Although early descriptions of inflammatory CNS vasculitis report a universally high mortality rate, more recent cohorts demonstrate that favorable outcomes rely on early diagnosis and treatment. New and re-purposed medications have shown promise in the treatment of CNS vasculitides, and novel imaging modalities may aid in diagnosis.

Summary

A broad array of diseases can affect CNS vasculature. Accurate diagnosis of CNS vasculitides requires a thorough exploration of systemic inflammatory diseases, as well as a clear understanding of the rare entities that cause vasculitides limited to the CNS.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Kelly L. Sloane MD

  2. Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical Center, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA

    Pria Anand MD

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  1. Kelly L. Sloane MD
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  2. Pria Anand MD
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Correspondence to Pria Anand MD.

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Sloane, K.L., Anand, P. Inflammatory Vasculitides of the Central Nervous System. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 22, 19 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-020-00817-x

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