Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated central nervous system vasculitis mimicking brain tumor: A case report

Abstract

Here, we report a case of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis that mimicked a brain tumor. The patient presented with progressive right upper arm weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed large tumor‐like lesions in the left frontal and parietal lobes, with patchy and irregular enhancement with gadolinium and edema. Based on the clinical course and radiological findings, a brain tumor was suspected, and stereotactic brain biopsy was performed. Brain histopathology revealed necrotic tissue and lymphocyte infiltration around small vessels and blood vessel walls. Although the patient's clinical course and pathological findings suggested primary angiitis of CNS (PACNS), double staining for myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD31 (a neutrophil marker) revealed infiltration of MPO‐positive neutrophils in the blood vessel walls. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with ANCA‐associated CNS vasculitis. Because CNS vasculitis, including PACNS, presents nonspecific clinical findings and can depict brain tumor‐like MRI findings, CNS vasculitis should be carefully differentiated from brain tumors. Additionally, double staining for MPO and CD31 might be useful for evaluating the pathogenesis of CNS vasculitis.