# Central nervous system vasculitis mimicking a brain tumor: A case report

**Authors:** Uyen N.T. Nguyen, David Vo, Kari Hird, Victoria Wu, Vanessa Goodwill, Nikdokht Farid

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.11.068 · Radiology Case Reports · 2025-12-17

## TL;DR

A case of brain inflammation mistaken for a tumor shows how CNS vasculitis can resemble other neurological conditions.

## Contribution

This case report provides insights into distinguishing CNS vasculitis from brain tumors using imaging and diagnostic techniques.

## Key findings

- A 36-year-old male presented with neurological symptoms initially suspected to be a brain tumor.
- Comprehensive imaging and testing were crucial in diagnosing CNS vasculitis.
- Key imaging features helped differentiate vasculitis from malignancy.

## Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is a rare inflammatory condition of blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord that can result in profound neurological symptoms mimicking many other pathologies. We present the case of a 36-year-old male who presented with subacute onset of progressive left-sided hemiparesis and refractory seizures. The diagnosis was challenging and required comprehensive review and integration of different imaging modalities, tissue sampling, and biochemical testing. This case highlights key imaging features which may aid in distinguishing central nervous system vasculitis from other etiologies such as malignancy.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** brain tumor (MONDO:0021211)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hemiparesis (MESH:D010291), brain tumor (MESH:D001932), seizures (MESH:D012640), malignancy (MESH:D009369), inflammatory (MESH:D007249), Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis (MESH:D020293)

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12771296/full.md

## References

30 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12771296/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12771296