Dataset Information

Centripetal Propagation of Vasoconstriction at the Time of Headache Resolution in Patients with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is characterized by thunderclap headache and diffuse segmental vasoconstriction that resolves spontaneously within 3 months. Previous reports have proposed that vasoconstriction first involves small distal arteries and then progresses toward major vessels at the time of thunderclap headache remission. The purpose of this study was to confirm centripetal propagation of vasoconstriction on MRA at the time of thunderclap headache remission compared with MRA at the time of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome onset.

Materials and methods

Of the 39 patients diagnosed with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome at our hospital during the study period, participants comprised the 16 patients who underwent MR imaging, including MRA, within 72 hours of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome onset (initial MRA) and within 48 hours of thunderclap headache remission.

Results

In 14 of the 16 patients (87.5%), centripetal propagation of vasoconstriction occurred from the initial MRA to remission of thunderclap headache, with typical segmental vasoconstriction of major vessels. These mainly involved the M1 portion of the MCA (10 cases), P1 portion of the posterior cerebral artery (10 cases), and A1 portion of the anterior cerebral artery (5 cases).

Conclusions

This study found evidence of centripetal propagation of vasoconstriction on MRA obtained at the time of thunderclap headache remission, compared with MRA obtained at the time of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome onset. If clinicians remain unsure of the diagnosis during early-stage reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, this time point represents the best opportunity to diagnose reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome with confidence.

SUBMITTER: Shimoda M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7984712 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundThe pathophysiology of the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) remains enigmatic and the role of glymphatics in RCVS pathophysiology has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate RCVS glymphatic dynamics and its clinical correlates.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated the glymphatic function in RCVS patients, with RCVS subjects and healthy controls (HCs) recruited between August 2020 and November 2023, by calculating diffusion-tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index under a 3-T MRI. Clinical and vascular (transcranial color-coded duplex sonography) investigations were conducted in RCVS subjects. RCVS participants were separated into acute (≤ 30 days) and remission (≥ 90 days) groups by disease onset to MRI interval. The time-trend, acute stage and longitudinal analyses of the DTI-ALPS index were conducted. Correlations between DTI-ALPS index and vascular and clinical parameters were performed. Bonferroni correction was applied to vascular investigations (q = 0.05/11).ResultsA total of 138 RCVS patients (mean age, 46.8 years ± 11.8; 128 women) and 42 HCs (mean age, 46.0 years ± 4.5; 35 women) were evaluated. Acute RCVS demonstrated lower DTI-ALPS index than HCs (p < 0.001) and remission RCVS (p < 0.001). A continuously increasing DTI-ALPS trend after disease onset was demonstrated. The DTI-ALPS was lower when the internal carotid arteries resistance index and six-item Headache Impact test scores were higher. In contrast, during 50-100 days after disease onset, the DTI-ALPS index was higher when the middle cerebral artery flow velocity was higher.ConclusionsGlymphatic function in patients with RCVS exhibited a unique dynamic evolution that was temporally coupled to different vascular indices and headache-related disabilities along the disease course. These findings may provide novel insights into the complex interactions between glymphatic transport, vasomotor control and pain modulation.

Project description:Importance:White matter hyperintense lesions (WMHs) are highly prevalent in patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS); however, their characteristics and underlying pathophysiology are unclear. Objective:To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution and pathomechanisms of WMHs in patients with RCVS. Design, Setting, and Participants:We prospectively recruited patients with RCVS over a 3-year period from January 2010 through December 2012 from the headache center or emergency department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, a 2947-bed national medical center. In total, 85 patients with RCVS were approached, of whom 4 declined to participate, 5 declined follow-up scans, 6 were lost to follow-up, and 5 had suboptimal images. Patients received serial isotropic 3-dimension fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence imaging (1-mm slice thickness) with a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging machine as well as transcranial and extracranial color-coded sonography on registration and during follow-ups (at 1 and 2 months, with variations adapting to clinical condition). Data were analyzed from January 2015 to May 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures:The fluid-attenuated inversion recovery lesion segmentation toolbox was used to segment WMHs automatically. The WMHs were classified as periventricular or deep and were segmented into 13 anatomical locations. The neuroimaging scientists who executed the program were blinded to clinical information. Vascular parameters, including the Lindegaard index (vasoconstriction severity), pulsatility index, and resistance index of the internal carotid artery, were independently collected for comparison. Results:Sixty-five patients with RCVS completed the study and underwent a total of 162 magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Of the 65 included patients, 58 (89%) were women, and the mean (SD) age was 50.1 (8.9) years. The total mean (SD) WMH load peaked at 3.2 (4.4) cm3 in the third week postonset and fell to 0.8 (0.6) cm3 in the fourth week. White matter hyperintensities were predominantly frontal and periventricular. White matter hyperintensity load correlated strongly with Lindegaard index during the second week of the disease course (r?=?0.908; P?<?.001) and also correlated with the pulsatility index and resistance index of the internal carotid artery. Conclusions and Relevance:White matter hyperintensities in patients with RCVS have a dynamic temporal evolution that parallels disease severity. The finding of partially reversible WMHs deserves attention and should be known by clinicians taking care of patients with RCVS. White matter hyperintensities in RCVS may be attributed, at least partially, to regional hypoperfusion and impaired dampening capacity to central pulsatile flow.

Project description:Background and purposeThere is mounting evidence supporting the benefit of intra-arterial administration of vasodilators in diagnosing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. We prospectively quantified the degree of luminal diameter dilation after intra-arterial administration of verapamil and its accuracy in diagnosing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.Materials and methodsPatients suspected of having intracranial arteriopathy on noninvasive imaging and referred for digital subtraction angiography were enrolled in a prospective registry. Intra-arterial verapamil was administered in vascular territories with segmental irregularities. The caliber difference (Caliberpost - Caliberpre) and the proportion of caliber change ([(Caliberpost - Caliberpre)/Caliberpre] × 100%) were used to determine the response to verapamil. The diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome was made on the basis of clinical and imaging features at a follow-up appointment, independent of the reversibility of verapamil. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the best threshold.ResultsTwenty-six patients were included, and 9 (34.6%) were diagnosed with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. A total of 213 vascular segments were assessed on diagnostic angiography. Every patient with a final diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome responded to intra-arterial verapamil. The maximal proportion of change (P < .001), mean proportion of change (P = .002), maximal caliber difference (P = .004), and mean caliber difference (P = .001) were statistically different between patients with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and other vasculopathies. A maximal proportion of change ≥32% showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88.2% to detect reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (area under the curve = 0.951). The Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome-2 score of ≥5 points achieved a lower area under the curve (0.908), with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 94.1%.ConclusionsObjective measurement of the change in the arterial calibers after intra-arterial verapamil is accurate in distinguishing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome from other vasculopathies. A proportion of change ≥32% has the best diagnostic performance.