Title : CNS vasculitis caused by lyme neuroborreliosis – the value of black blood MRI
Abstract:
Background: Lyme Neuro Borreliosis (LNB) is a tick-borne neurological infection, caused by the spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu latu complex. In Europe, LNB is among the most common bacterial neurological infections. In adults, typical nervous system manifestations include radiculoneuritis, cranial neuritis or lymphocytic meningitis. However, with chronic LNB, encephalitis and cerebral vasculitis can be seen, potentially leading to cerebrovascular events such as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA), or ischemic stroke, even in younger individuals.
Methods and Results: We present selected cases of LNB-associated CNS vasculitis from an ongoing retrospective study of more than 300 patients with LNB at our institution. Particular attention is given to diagnostics, clinical presentation and MRI imaging, including vessel wall imaging.
Conclusions: Similar to other CNS vasculitic diseases, LNB-associated CNS vasculitis can be debilitating and even deadly. A high degree of clinical acumen is necessary to diagnose this potentially treatable condition before it is to late.
Audience Take Away Notes
- Clinical Manifestations: The audience will learn about the typical nervous system manifestations of LNB, including radiculoneuritis, cranial neuritis, and lymphocytic meningitis.
- Diagnosis Criteria: The audience will become familiar with the diagnostic criteria for definite and probable LNB according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS)
- Association with Cerebral Vasculitis: The audience will learn about the rare but significant association of neuroborreliosis with cerebral vasculitis and its potential to cause cerebrovascular events like Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) and ischemic stroke.
- Case Studies and Diagnostics: The audience will be presented with case studies from a retrospective study, focusing on diagnostics, clinical presentation, and MRI imaging, including vessel wall imaging.
- Improved Diagnosis: Armed with this knowledge, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to diagnose LNB accurately, especially in its rare presentations involving cerebral vasculitis.
- Enhanced Clinical Skills: The insights on MRI imaging and clinical presentation will enhance the audience’s ability to identify and differentiate LNB from other neurological conditions.
- Better Patient Outcomes: By improving their diagnostic acumen and awareness of LNB-associated CNS vasculitis, healthcare providers can ensure better patient outcomes through early and accurate treatment.
- Continued Professional Development: Staying updated on the latest research and case studies in LNB will contribute to the audience’s continued professional development and expertise in neurology and infectious diseases.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The findings can encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among neurologists, infectious disease specialists, and radiologists to improve patient care.
