Intracranial arterial occlusive lesion in patients with Graves' disease.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the distribution and clinical manifestations of intracranial arterial occlusive lesions (IAOLs), and their correlation with thyroid function.


METHODS
We enrolled 7 patients who had Graves' disease (GD) with IAOLs screened and evidenced by transcranial Doppler, then further confirmed with digital substract angiography in 2 patients and magnetic resonance angiography in 5 patients. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all 7 patients. Three patients were followed up.


RESULTS
Among 7 patients, 1 was male and 6 were females. The mean age was 32.0 +/- 5.5 (range from 11 to 49) years old. Six of them had symptoms of GD but one was asymptomatic with abnormality of T3, T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone. The lesions of intracranial arteries were symmetrical bilaterally in the internal carotid artery system in 6 patients, as well as asymmetrical in 1 patient Terminal internal carotid artery (TICA) were involved in all 7 patients. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) were involved in 3, anterior cerebral artery in 2, and basilar artery in 1 patient. Net-like collateral vessels and mimic moyamoya disease were observed in the vicinity of the occlusive arteries in 2 patients. All patients presented symptoms of ischemic stroke including transient ischemic attack and/or infarction while IAOLs were found. Three patients had obvious involuntary movements. Brain MRI revealed infarctions located in the cortex, basal ganglion, or hemiovular center in 5 patients. The remaining 2 patients had normal brain MRI. The neurological symptoms were improved concomitant with relief of the thyroid function in 2 patients, while IAOLs were aggravated with deterioration of the thyroid function in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
IAOLs in patients with GD mainly involve intracranial arteries, especially the TICA and MCA, which is similar to moyamoya disease. The neurological symptoms and severity of involved arteries may relieve while the hyperthyroidism is gradually under control.
Ni
Jun
J
Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730. nijunlhs@sohu.com
Gao
Shan
S
Cui
Li-ying
LY
Li
Shun-wei
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
D013956:Antithyroid Agents