IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

A case of IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis was reported. The patient was an elderly female, with the course of disease more than 8 years. Clinical manifestations included recurrent headache, vision and hearing loss, exophthalmos and thyroid dysfunction. Finally, she was diagnosed as IgG4-related disease and IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis by PET-CT and dural biopsy. After treatment with methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil, the patient′s clinical symptoms improved.

Clinical analysis of 15 cases with myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis / 中华内科杂志

To study the clinical features of myeloperoxidase(MPO) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP). Clinical data of 15 cases diagnosed with MPO-ANCA vasculitis complicated with HP were retrospectively analyzed. Nine cases were males and the other 6 were females, with an average age of (58±8) years. All cases presented with chronic headache. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed local or diffused thickening of cerebral and/or spinal dura matter while brain parenchyma were normal. Nine cases developed multiple cranial nerve paralysis, with trigeminal nerve and auditory nerve involved most commonly. The main clinical manifestations were facial pain, hearing loss and tinnitus. Two cases were complicated with hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (HSP) and 4 cases were complicated with pulmonary diseases. Positive serum perinuclear pattern ANCA (pANCA) and MPO could be found in all cases, positive serum IgG 4 was seen in two patients. erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR;25-116 mm/1h) and C-reactive protein (CRP;29.02-146.00 mg/L) were both elevated in 14 cases. Nine cases had elevated intracranial pressure[180-235 mmH 2O (1 mmH 2O=0.009 8 kPa)] and abnormal protein level (457.6-3710.0 mg/L) in cerebrospinal fluid. Six cases were treated with glucocorticoids (prednisone 20-60 mg/d) and 9 cased with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants (methotrexate 15 mg/week or cyclophosphamide 100 mg/d po). All patients achieved remission. MPO-ANCA associated HP is a special type of central nervous system involvement in ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV). It rarely involves the lung or kidney. Steroids and immunosuppressive agents are effective. In HP with unknown underlying diseases, it is suggested to screen ANCA and IgG 4 tests for AAV or IgG 4-related disease.

Paquimeningitis hipertrófica y tumoración orbitaria asociada a Granulomatosis con poliangeitis: reporte de un caso clínico / Hypertrophic pachymeningitis and orbital tumour associated with Granulomatosis with polyangiitis: case report

Paciente de 65 años, con diagnóstico de Granulomatosis con Poliangeitis (GPA) de 18 años de evolución cuyo debut fue por insuficiencia respiratoria aguda asociado a hemoptisis recibiendo tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos y ciclofosfamida de inducción. Luego recibió mantenimiento con azatioprina 150 mg día, con periodos de recrudecimiento de enfermedad que respondieron al tratamiento con corticoides por períodos cortos. Acude a consulta por cefalea crónica de tres meses de evolución refractaria al tratamiento con antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINES), asociado a proptosis ocular izquierda y dolor orbitario homolateral, presentando reactantes de fase aguda elevados (eritrosedimentación y Proteína C reactiva). Se evidencia por resonancia magnética nuclear cerebral con gadolinio, realce de la duramadre cerebral y tienda de cerebelo, presentando además una formación orbitaria izquierda.

A 65-year-old patient, with a diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangeitis (GPA) of 18 years of evolution, whose debut was with respiratory failure and hemoptysis, receiving induction treatment with corticosteroids together with cyclophosphamide, and then maintenance treatment with azathioprine 150 mg per day, with periods of flare-up of the disease that responded to treatment with corticosteroids for short periods. He came to the clinic for a 3-month-long chronic headache refractory to treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), associated with left ocular proptosis and ipsilateral orbital pain, presenting elevated acute phase reactants (ers and c-reactive protein). It is evidenced by brain magnetic resonance with gadolinium, enhancement of the cerebral dura and cerebellum store, also presenting formation in the left orbit.

Chronic meningitis as an initial presentation of Sjögren syndrome / La meningitis crónica como presentación inicial del síndrome de Sjögren

ABSTRACT Sjögren syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease, rarely affecting the central nervous system. The case is reported on a 68-year-old male patient who presented with keratocon-junctivitis sicca and xerostomia, during neuropsychological evaluation showed moderate to severe multidomain cognitive impairment. The magnetic resonance showed evidence of hypertrophic pachymeningitis. The CSF study showed pleocytosis, mild proteinuria, and negative cultures. The immune positive profile, Anti SS-A, SS-B and salivary gland biopsy was compatible with SS. The treatment was started with methylprednisolone pulses at a dose of 1g every 24 h for three days, and controlled with maintenance therapy, showing a favorable response. Chronic meningitis is a diagnostic challenge; among the less common causes is hypertrophic pachymeningitis in SS, and less frequently in male patients (1/9). Non-specific neurological manifestations should be considered, such as headaches or neuropsychiatric symptoms, as on some occasions rare cases may be encountered, such as the one described.

RESUMEN El síndrome de Sjögren (SS) es una enfermedad autoinmune que rara vez afecta al sistema nervioso central. En este informe de caso describimos a un paciente varón, de 68 años, que presentó queratoconjuntivitis seca y xerostomía, y a la evaluación neuropsicológica mostró deterioro cognitivo multidominio en grado de moderado a grave. La resonancia magnética mostró evidencia de paquimeningitis hipertrófica. El estudio del LCR mostró pleocitosis, proteinuria leve y cultivos negativos; el perfil inmunológico positivo anti SS-A, SS-B y la biopsia de la glándula salival compatible con SS. El tratamiento se inició con pulsos de metilprednisolona a una dosis de 1 g/cada 24 h/durante 3 días, control con terapia de mantenimiento, mostrando una respuesta favorable. La meningitis crónica es un desafío para el diagnóstico, entre las causas menos frecuentes está la paquimeningitis hipertrófica en el SS, y con menor frecuencia en los pacientes varones (1/9). Se deben considerar manifestaciones neurológicas inespecíficas, como dolores de cabeza o síntomas neuropsiquiátricos, ya que en algunas ocasiones podemos enfrentarnos a casos raros como el descrito.

A clinical approach to hypertrophic pachymeningitis / Abordagem diagnóstica para paquimeningite hipertrófica

ABSTRACT Importance: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a non-usual manifestation of rheumatologic, infectious, and neoplastic diseases. Etiological diagnosis is a challenge, but when made promptly it creates a window of opportunity for treatment, with the possibility of a total reversal of symptoms. Observations: HP is an inflammatory process of the dura mater that can occur as a manifestation of sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and IgG4-related disease. The HP case evaluation is extensive and includes central nervous system imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, serology, rheumatologic tests, and systemic survey for other manifestations sites. After systemic investigation, meningeal biopsy might be necessary. Etiology guides HP treatment, and autoimmune disorders are treated with corticosteroids alone or associated with an immunosuppressor. Conclusion: HP is a manifestation of several diseases, and a precise etiological diagnosis is crucial because of the difference among treatments. An extensive investigation of patients with HP helps early diagnosis and correct treatment.

RESUMO Importância: Paquimeningite hipertrófica (PH) é uma manifestação não usual de doenças reumatológicas, infecciosas e neoplásicas. O diagnóstico etiológico por vezes é um desafio, entretanto quando realizado em tempo cria uma janela de tratamento com a possibilidade de reversão total dos sintomas. Observações: A PH é um processo inflamatório da dura-máter que pode ocorrer como manifestação da sarcoidose, granulomatose com poliangeíte e doença relacionada à IgG4. A avaliação dos casos de PH é extensa e inclui imagem do sistema nervoso central, análise de líquor, sorologias, provas reumatológicas e rastreio sistêmico para doença em outros sítios. Por vezes, após toda a investigação sistêmica, a biópsia de meninge é necessária. A etiologia orienta o tratamento da HP, sendo que em doenças autoimunes adota-se o uso de corticosteroides isolados ou associados a um imunossupressor. Conclusão e Relevância: A PH é uma manifestação de várias doenças, e seu diagnóstico etiológico preciso é fundamental, visto a diferença entre os possíveis tratamentos. Uma investigação ampla nos casos de PH ajuda no diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a patient with ANCA negative granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report / Paquimeningitis hipertrófica en un paciente con granulomatosis con poliangeítis ANCA negativo: reporte de un caso

ABSTRACT Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a vasculitic disease with an infrequent involvement of the central nervous system. This can lead, in rare cases, to hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP), which is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis that cause a thickening of dura mater. At present, it is crucial to consider GPA in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients with intracranial hypertension. The case is presented of a 60-year-old male with progressive severe headache, vomiting, and wasting syndrome. Physical examination showed pallor, weight loss, and unilateral papilloedema. A gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI scan showed sinusitis, chronic otomastoiditis, and hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Finally, a meningeal biopsy concluded a necrotising granulomatous vasculitis compatible with GPA. However, PR3- and MPO-ANCA were negative. After corticosteroid therapy was initiated, the patient had a favorable outcome during his hospital stay.

RESUMEN La granulomatosis con poliangeítis (GPA) compromete excepcionalmente el sistema nervioso central, conllevando en raras ocasiones a una paquimeningitis hipertrófica (PH), caracterizada por inflamación y fibrosis, que originan un engrosamiento de la duramadre. Actualmente, su consideración es crucial en el diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes ancianos con hipertensión endocraneana. Presentamos el caso de un adulto de 60 anos con cefalea severa progresiva, vómitos, papiledema unilateral y síndrome consuntivo en donde la resonancia magnética cerebral contrastada con gadolinio muestra sinusitis, otomastoiditis y PH. Finalmente, la biopsia de meninges reveló vasculitis granulomatosa necrosante de pequenos y medianos vasos compatible con GPA. Empero, PR3- y MPO-ANCA resultaron negativos. Se inició terapia con corticoides, presentando una evolución clínica favorable durante su hospitalización.

Paquimeningitis relacionada con IgG4 y la visión. Reporte de caso / Ophthalmological manifestations of IgG4-related pachymeningitis. A case repor

Introducción: la inmunoglobulina G4 es un subtipo de inmunoglobulina G que corresponde a menos del 5% del total de inmunoglo-bulinas. Niveles elevados de esta molécula se han asociado con el desarrollo de diferentes patologías. Método: presentación de caso clínico. Resultados: se presenta el caso de una mujer de 51 años que consultó por disminución de agudeza visual, escotoma central en ojo izquierdo y edema de papila bilateral. Se encontraron signos compatibles con paquimeningitis en la resonancia nuclear magnética. También presentó aumento de presión de apertura en la punción lumbar. En el estudio de laboratorio se observó un aumento en los niveles plasmáticos de IgG4, lo cual llevó al diagnóstico de paquimeningitis relacionada con IgG4. La paciente fue tratada con corticoides y azatioprina, con excelente evolución posterior al normalizar agudeza visual y campos visuales. Conclusión: en este artículo se describen tres elementos importantes a considerar en estos pacientes: pérdida de visión, edema de discos ópticos y cambios en campo visual.

Introduction: G4 immunoglobulin is 5% of total immunoglobulins in plasma. Elevated levels of this protein are associated with several diseases. Methods: clinical case report. Results: we report a case of a 51-year-old woman who presented with loss of vision, a central scotoma over her left eye and bilateral optic disc edema. She had findings compatible with pachymeningitis based on magnetic resonance imaging. She also exhibited an increased opening pressure in lumbar puncture. In the laboratory workup, we found a two-fold increase in IgG4 levels, which led to a diagnosis of pachymeningitis related to IgG4. The patient was treated accordingly with corticosteroids and azathioprine. The patient experienced excellent progression with complete recovery of her visual acuity and normalization of the visual fields. Conclusion: there is three elements to consider in these patients: vision loss, optic disc edema and visual field changes.

Paquimeningitis hipertrófica en vasculitis anca positivo: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Hypertrophic pachymeningitis in positive ANCA vasculitis: case report and literature review

La paquimeningitis hipertrófica (PH), es una manifestación poco frecuente de la vasculitis asociada a anticuerpos anti-citoplasma de neutrófilo (ANCA). La literatura describe compromiso de sistema nervioso central (SNC) en 2-8% de los casos en pacientes con vasculitis pauciinmune. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con antecedente de vasculitis anti-mieloperoxidasa (MPO) con un mes de evolución de cefalea hemicraneana izquierda. La resonancia magnética cerebral contrastada evidencia marcado engrosamiento y realce meníngeo dural en el hemicráneo izquierdo, predominante en el tentorio y la fosa posterior. Se descartaron causas infecciosas por lo que se llegó a la conclusión de compromiso meníngeo asociado a vasculitis. Se inició manejo inmunosupresor con mejoría del cuadro clínico. La rápida identificación y manejo de esta entidad puede cambiar su pronóstico sombrío. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura para brindar una herramienta para la toma de decisiones para los médicos que se enfrentan a esta entidad.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (PH) is a rare manifestation of vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA). The literature describes central nervous system (CNS) involvement in 2-8% of cases in patients with pauciimmune vasculitis. We present the case of a patient with a history of anti-Myeloperoxidase (MPO) vasculitis with a 1-month history of left-sided headache. Contrast brain magnetic resonance was performed with evidence of marked thickening and dural meningeal enhancement in the left hemicranium, predominantly in the region of the tentorium and posterior fossa. Infectious causes were ruled out and the meningeal compromise associated with vasculitis was concluded. Immunosuppressive management was started with improvement of the clinical picture. Rapid identification and management of this entity can change its bleak outlook. A systematic review of the literature was carried out in order to provide a decision-making tool for physicians facing this entity.

Recurrent ominous spinal mass

Background:A retrospective case series study was done onforearm diaphyseal fracture in adolescents treated with TENS (titanium elastic nailing system).Purpose of the study was analysis of functional outcome of TENS in forearm diaphyseal fractures in children between 12-18 year age group. Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 30 patients operated by same senior surgeon during the period from March 2014 to February 2015 with closed diaphyseal forearm fractures in age group 12–18 years treated with TENS in whom closed reduction could not be achieved. Nail diameter taken as 33-40% of narrowest diameter of diaphysys were introduced proximally in ulna and distally in radius under image intensifier in closed manner. Postoperatively, patients encouraged for active shoulder, elbow and finger movements and suture removal done after 2 weeks. Patients were followed up for minimum period of one year.Results:In terms of union and range of motion using Anderson et al criteria 24 patients had excellent results, 4 patients had satisfactory results and one patienthad poor result having non-union of ulna. Two patients had superficial infection at the nail entry site which eventually resolved. One patient lost for follow up.Conclusions:We conclude that TENS in both bone forearm fractures in adolescent age group interms of union and range of motion is a minimally invasive and effective method of fixation.

A report of 4 cases of myeloperoxidase antin eutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis with literature review / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features of myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP).Methods Clinical data of 4 casesdiagnosed with MPO-ANCA vasculitis complicated with HP in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively and the related literaturewere reviewed.Results Four male patients with an age range from 44 to 66 years were diagnosed with ANCA-associated HP.The main clinical manifestations included headache and withvarious degree ofmultiple cranial paralysis.During active phase of the disease,all patients showed perinuclear(p)-ANCA positive,elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers and titers of MPO-ANCA,whereas renal function,cytoplasmic (c)-ANCA and protease 3 (PR3)-ANCA were negative.Contrast-enhanced cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed obviously thickened dura mater and sinusitis or mass in paranasal sinus.Four patients were sensitive to glucocorticoid.Three patients had a relapse during glucocorticoid tapering and were undercontrol when the dosage of glucocorticoid was increased and immunosuppressive agents were added.Levels of inflammatory biomarkers,titers of MPO-ANCA and p-ANCA recovered to normal,and the dural thickness on MRI was reduced in the remission stage.Conclusion MPO-ANCA associated HP is a type of central nervous system involvement in ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV).It involves the upper respiratory tract more frequently,and less frequently progresses to systemic AAV.This should be taken into consideration when middle-aged and elderly patients presented with headache and multiple cranial neuropathies.Enhanced MRI is the preferred examination for diagnosis,and dural biopsy should be done when necessary.

IgG4-Related Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis Mimicking Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

Immunoglobulin G4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IgG4-RHP) is an increasingly recognized manifestation of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), which is a fibroinflammatory condition that can affect virtually any organ. The three hallmark histopathological features of IgG4-RD are lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells, storiform fibrosis, and obliterative phlebitis. We report a case of biopsy-confirmed IgG4-RHP that was initially misdiagnosed as cerebral venous thrombosis.

ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Presenting with Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis

No abstract available.

Paquimeningitis asociada a enfermedad por IgG4 / Pachymeningitis associated with IgG4 disease

La paquimeningitis hipertrófica es una enfermedad infrecuente. Puede ser idiopática, secundaria a infección o enfermedad oncológica. Recientemente se la describió asociada a la enfermedad por IgG4, pudiendo ser esta la causa de muchas clasificadas como idiopáticas. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 60 años de edad con historia de cefalea y epiescleritis, con respuesta parcial a corticoides. La resonancia magnética con contraste evidenciaba refuerzo meníngeo a nivel temporal y occipital izquierdo con extensión a la tienda del cerebelo. La biopsia meníngea demostró fibrosis e infiltrado linfoplasmocitario con más de 10 células plasmáticas IgG4 positivas por campo de gran aumento. El tratamiento con rituximab provocó mejoría clínica y radiológica. La paquimeningitis hipertrófica es una manifestación de la enfermedad por IgG4 y debe ser sospechada con la resonancia magnética y niveles plasmáticos altos de IgG4.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is an infrequent disorder. It can be idiopathic or secondary to infectious, autoimmune or neoplastic disease. The recently described ‹IgG4-related disease› could be the origin of many cases considered cryptogenic. We present the case of a 60-year-old man, with a history of headache and episcleritis in both eyes, with partial response to corticoid therapy. The brain MR study with gadolinium showed enhancement and thickening of the dura mater, extending from lateral wall of left temporal and occipital lobes to ipsilateral tentorium. Meningeal biopsy showed fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, with more than 10 IgG4+ plasma cells per high power field. After treatment with rituximab there was clinical improvement accompanied by the virtual disappearance of the alterations detected in neuroimaging. Hypertrophic pachymeningitis as a manifestation of IgG4-related disease can be based on MRI findings if plasma IgG4 are elevated.

Possible steroid-resistant IgG4-related pachymeningitis treated with parenteral methotrexate / Posible paquimeningitis relacionada con IgG4, resistente a los esteroides tratada con metotrexato parenteral

Abstract Pachymeningitis is an uncommon disease with multiple etiologies with fibrosis of leptomeninges. One type of this disease is related to immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4). The most frequent manifestations include chronic cephalgia and focal neurological deficits. The case of a 31-year-old man with chronic cephalgia localized to the left hemicranium and left dysmetria is presented. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging showed image hyperintensity and perilesional edema located at the infratentorial and left parietal occipital levels. The results of cerebral angiography and a cerebrospinal fluid examination were normal. A biopsy of the central nervous system (CNS) ruled out neoplastic lesions, granulomatous lesions, infection, and arteriovenous malformation and indicated thickened meningeal fragments. Elevated serum IgG4 levels were found. The antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs), anti-native DNA antibodies (anti-DNA), topoisomerase I antibodies (Scl-70), antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) were negative. After an initial diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningi-tis, the patient received treatment with high doses of glucocorticosteroids for two years, without response, and developed Cushing's syndrome, cataracts, and osteoporosis. During the follow-up, dactylitis, distal upper limb sclerosis, and Raynaud's phenomenon occurred. A capillaroscopy indicated capillaries with dilated loops, microhemorrhaging, disorganization of the capillary architecture, and megacapillaries, which led to a diagnosis of limited systemic scleroderma. Although an association between scleroderma and pachymeningitis was originally proposed, review of the literature suggests that these are two different entities. Treatment with methotrexate, 25 mg weekly, allowed the withdrawal of glucocorticoids and resolution of neurological symptoms.

Resumen La paquimeningitis es el compromiso fibrosante de las leptomeninges poco común y de múltiple etiología. Una de ellas, la enfermedad relacionada a inmunoglobulina IgG4. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes son la cefalea crónica de difícil tratamiento y el déficit neurológico focal. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 31 años, con cefalea crónica localizada en el hemicráneo izquierdo y disimetría izquierda, resonancia nuclear magnética con imagen hiperintensa y edema perilesional ubicada a nivel infratentorial y parieto-occipital izquierda, angiografía cerebral y estudio de líquido cefalorraquídeo normales. La biopsia del sistema nervioso central (SNC) descartó lesiones neoplásicas, granulomatosas, infección y malformación arteriovenosa, y reportó fragmentos meníngeos engrosados. A nivel sérico se encontraron altos niéveles de IgG4. ANA, ENA, anti-DNA, SCL-70, CCp y FR, negativos. Con el diagnóstico presuntivo inicial de paquimeningitis craneal hipertrófica idiopática, recibió tratamiento con dosis elevadas de glucocorticoides por espacio de 2 anos, sin buena respuesta y el desarrollo de síndrome de Cushing iatrogénico, cataratas y osteoporosis. Durante el seguimiento se documentó dactilitis, esclerosis distal de miembros superiores, síndrome de Raynaud y con capilaroscopia con asas dilatadas, microhemorragia, desorganización de la arquitectura capilar y megacapilares, configurándose el diagnóstico de esclerodermia sistémica limitada. Aunque se propuso inicialmente la asociación entre estas 2 condiciones, la revisión de la literatura indica que se trata de 2 entidades fisiopa-tológicamente diferentes. El tratamiento con metotrexato a dosis de 25 mg semanal permitió el retiro de los glucocorticoides y la resolución completa de los síntomas neurológicos.

Rituximab Treatment for Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare disease caused by autoimmunity in the meninx that causes various neurologic symptoms, including headache, seizures, weakness, paresthesia, and cranial nerve palsies. Although the first-line therapy for HP is steroids, many HP cases are refractory to steroids or recur when the steroids are tapered. Here we report three HP cases that were successfully treated with rituximab (RTX). METHODS: From an institutional cohort recruited from April 2012 to July 2016, three HP cases that were identified to be steroid-refractory were treated with RTX (four weekly doses of 375 mg/m²). Clinical improvement was assessed by the number of relapses of any neurologic symptom and the largest dural thickness in MRI. RESULTS: All three patients were recurrence-free of neurologic symptoms and exhibited prominent decreases in the dural thickness after RTX treatment. No adverse events were observed in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest RTX as a second-line therapy for steroid-refractory HP. Further studies are warranted to confirm this observation in a larger population and to consider RTX as a first-line therapy.

Diagnostic value of MRI in hypertrophic pachymeningitis / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of MRI in hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP). Methods MRI images of 11 patients with HP were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristic signs of the MRI images, and the relationship between the MRI features and pathology of HP were reviewed. Results In the 11 cases of HP, involvement of cerebral dura mater accounted for 8 cases, with spinal dura mater involvement in 2, both cerebral and spinal dura mater involvement in the other one case. The main sign of HP in MRI was an increased thickness of the dura mater, which showed iso-or hypointensity on T1WI without significant difference as compared with the brain parenchyma and spinal cord. The thickened dura mater showed obviously low signal on T2WI, and it was recognized easily as compared with the brain parenchyma and the spinal cord. On the DWI of 9 cases who had cerebral dura mater involvement, increased dura mater showed lower signal, but it was not so distinct as shown on T2WI. On the post-contrast T1WI, the thickened dura mater showed obvious enhancement, displaying better images than that of preenhancement image. Conclusion Among the different MRI techniques, T2-weighted imaging and post-enhanced T1WI have their advantages in the diagnosis of HP, and other MR imaging techniques could be complementary in increasing diagnostic accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis Masquerading as Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome / 대한임상신경생리학회지

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (ICHP) is diffuse inflammatory process of the dura mater. ICHP can produce similar presentation with Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) if it involves cavernous sinus. A-29-year old male with persistent headache and no definite neurologic dysfunction was noted. Two weeks later, he complained of ophthalmoplegia, and his symptoms were thought to be manifestations of THS. Brain magnetic resonance images revealed diffuse thickened, enhanced pachymeninges in left tentorium. The patient was diagnosed with IHCP. We report a IHCP patient who showed very similar presentation as THS.

Effective Response of Methotrexate for Recurrent Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a chronic progressive and diffuse inflammatory fibrosis of the spinal dura mater. Though treatment of IHSP is surgical decompression with steroid therapy, treatment for recurrent IHSP is controversial. Our patient was diagnosed with IHSP based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and underwent laminectomy for decompression following steroid pulse therapy. Despite maintenance of steroid therapy, the patient experienced 3 recurrences. As an alternative immunosuppressant medication, methotrexate was introduced with low-dose steroid. Fortunately, the symptom was resolved, and a decrease of dura thickening was revealed on MRI. We present the case and suggest that methotrexate might be an effective treatment modality for recurrent IHSP.

Neuro-Behcet's Disease Presenting as Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis

A 25-year-old man presented with blurred vision and chronic headache. His brain MRI revealed bilateral frontal pachymeningeal enhancement with leptomeningeal enhancement. The patient had experienced recurrent oral ulcer and had anterior uveitis and papulopustules skin lesion. We diagnosed him with hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) associated with neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD). There have been few reports describing HP in patients with NBD. We report a case of NBD presenting as HP.

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis in the Craniocervical Junction

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) is a rare disease, and it is characterized by chronic progressive inflammatory fibrosis and thickening of the dura mater with resultant compression of the spinal cord or neural structure without any identifiable cause. It can occur in the intracranial or spinal dura mater alone or as a craniospinal form. The spinal form is rarer than the cranial form and the craniospinal form is extremely rare. We report a rare case of IHP in the craniocervical junction involving both the cranial and spinal dura mater and discuss the diagnosis and management of the disease.