High-resolution MRI vessel wall imaging in varicella zoster virus vasculopathy

Esteban Cheng-Ching, Stephen Jones, Ferdinand K. Hui, Shumei Man, Don Gilden, Adarsh Bhimraj, Ken Uchino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced vessel wall imaging high-resolution MRI (HRMR) has revealed vessel wall thickening and enhancement in multiple intracranial vasculopathies, including varicella zoster virus (VZV) vasculopathy. We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients with virologically-verified VZV vasculopathy, who underwent initial and follow-up HRMR between April 2011 and May 2014. Six patients were identified. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, including stroke risk factors, history of VZV-related disorders, neurological presentation, course and antiviral treatment. Initial HRMR in patients with VZV vasculopathy demonstrated various patterns of stenosis, vessel wall thickening and enhancement, predominantly in terminal internal carotid artery segments and the M1 segment of the middle cerebral arteries. Follow-up HRMR showed improvement of stenosis, with reduced vessel wall thickening and enhancement at multiple times after treatment. HRMR has the potential to assist in diagnosis and treatment of VZV vasculopathy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)168-173
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the Neurological Sciences
Volume351
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2015

Keywords

  • Angiography
  • High-resolution
  • MRI
  • Treatment
  • Varicella zoster virus
  • Vasculopathy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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