Granulomatous angiitis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Granulomatous angiitis is an uncommon necrotising vasculitis of unknown cause restricted to vessels of the central nervous system.[1]
Historical Perspective
Cravioto and Feigin defined granulomatous angiitis in 1959.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiologic effect of granulomatous angitis seems to be altered permeability of the vesselwall. This leads to leaking of cells and proteins into the surrounding structures causing subsequent edema.
Microscopic Pathology
- It mainly involves small intracerebral vessels.
- Microscopic changes include
- Focal fibrinoid necrosis of the vessel wall
- Variable inflammatory infiltrate( neutrophils , lymphocytes, epitheloid appearing histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells) forming granuloma in the wall of the vessel.
- Ischemic or hemorrhagic changes may be seen in parenchyma distal to the segment involved.
Causes
Exact etiology is obscure. Few associations are established.