Skip to main content

Pediatric inflammatory brain diseases: a diagnostic approach.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Van Mater, H
Published in: Curr Opin Rheumatol
September 2014

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Autoimmune-mediated inflammatory brain diseases represent a rapidly evolving area of medicine. The expanding spectrum of disease challenges providers as they strive to accurately diagnosis and treat children presenting with new onset neuropsychiatric deficits. This review examines recently published studies on primary central nervous system vasculitis and autoimmune encephalitis and utilizes key distinguishing features to guide a diagnostic approach. RECENT FINDINGS: The spectrum of inflammatory brain disease continues to expand with the recognition of variable disease phenotypes and targets of the immune system. Providers are often overwhelmed by the heterogeneity in clinical features and the lack of sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic testing. Recent scientific advances have enhanced our ability to diagnose these conditions and provide great promise for successful treatment in even severely affected children. SUMMARY: We are beginning to recognize the brain's susceptibility to autoimmunity and the broad spectrum of phenotypes associated with these conditions. Differentiating the various types of inflammatory brain disease remains challenging and benefits from a systematic approach.

Duke Scholars

Altmetric Attention Stats
Dimensions Citation Stats

Published In

Curr Opin Rheumatol

DOI

EISSN

1531-6963

Publication Date

September 2014

Volume

26

Issue

5

Start / End Page

553 / 561

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System
  • Neuromyelitis Optica
  • Limbic Encephalitis
  • Humans
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated
  • Encephalitis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Child
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Van Mater, H. (2014). Pediatric inflammatory brain diseases: a diagnostic approach. Curr Opin Rheumatol, 26(5), 553–561. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000092
Van Mater, Heather. “Pediatric inflammatory brain diseases: a diagnostic approach.Curr Opin Rheumatol 26, no. 5 (September 2014): 553–61. https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000092.
Van Mater H. Pediatric inflammatory brain diseases: a diagnostic approach. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2014 Sep;26(5):553–61.
Van Mater, Heather. “Pediatric inflammatory brain diseases: a diagnostic approach.Curr Opin Rheumatol, vol. 26, no. 5, Sept. 2014, pp. 553–61. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/BOR.0000000000000092.
Van Mater H. Pediatric inflammatory brain diseases: a diagnostic approach. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2014 Sep;26(5):553–561.

Published In

Curr Opin Rheumatol

DOI

EISSN

1531-6963

Publication Date

September 2014

Volume

26

Issue

5

Start / End Page

553 / 561

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Vasculitis, Central Nervous System
  • Neuromyelitis Optica
  • Limbic Encephalitis
  • Humans
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated
  • Encephalitis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Child
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System