A challenging diagnosis of reversible "vascular" dementia: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation

J Neuroimmunol. 2020 Jan 15:338:577109. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577109. Epub 2019 Nov 6.

Abstract

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri) is a rare and treatable variant of CAA likely due to an autoimmune response directed toward beta-amyloid deposits. Cognitive and behavioral manifestations are the most common symptoms, followed by focal neurological signs, headache and seizures, associated with characteristics neuroradiological features on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We describe the clinical course, radiological features and therapeutic approach of two patients with probable CAA-ri with the aim of emphasizing the importance of an early diagnosis of this potentially reversible disease in different neurological settings, such as memory clinics and stroke units.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / complications
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / diagnosis*
  • Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy / drug therapy
  • Dementia, Vascular / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / diagnosis*
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunosuppressive Agents