Reversible encephalopathy after cardiac transplantation: histologic evidence of endothelial activation, T-cell specific trafficking, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2009 Mar;30(3):588-90. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A1311. Epub 2008 Oct 14.

Abstract

Reversible encephalopathy after transplantation is well recognized. The condition is commonly thought to be related to immune suppression, and a characteristic brain imaging pattern is typically recognized with vasogenic edema in the parietal and occipital regions, typically termed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We report the case of a patient with reversible encephalopathy after cardiac transplantation with brain biopsy evidence of endothelial activation, selective intravascular/perivascular T-cell trafficking, and VEGF expression in astrocytes, neurons, and the endothelium.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytes / pathology
  • Biopsy
  • Brain Edema / immunology*
  • Brain Edema / pathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / immunology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / immunology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology*
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Recovery of Function
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A