title: Three unusual mimics of primary angiitis of the central nervous system.
abstract: To present three rare mimics of primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS). We describe 3 patients with rare diseases that can mimic PACNS at clinical presentation and neuroimaging. We describe the clinical course of these patients and also present a review of the literature regarding these three diagnoses. All 3 patients presented with neurological symptoms and had abnormal findings on neuroimaging suggestive of PACNS. After detailed history, careful review of systems, thorough laboratory workup and consideration of lack of a response to immunosuppressive therapy, PACNS was ruled out with identification of an alternative diagnosis. PACNS is a rare disease and a diagnostic challenge with many differentials. A thorough investigation and awareness of unusual disorders is critical in avoiding misdiagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, USA. Anupama.Shahane@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Anupama
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shahane
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khasnis
authors.forename: Rula
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hajj Ali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D054853:Malignant Atrophic Papulosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D035583:Rare Diseases; D055955:Susac Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D020293:Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents