BOLD-MRI cerebrovascular reactivity findings in cocaine-induced cerebral vasculitis

Abstract

Background: An 18-year-old woman presented to a regional stroke center with dysphasia and right hemiparesis 2 days after consuming alcohol and inhaling cannabis and -- for the first time -- cocaine.

Investigations: Physical examination, blood tests for inflammatory markers, vasculitis and toxicology screen, echocardiography, electrocardiography, CT scanning, brain MRI, magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging, catheter angiography, and correlation of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD)-MRI signal intensity with changes in end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide.

Diagnosis: Cocaine-induced cerebral vasculitis.

Management: No specific therapy was initiated. The patient's vital signs and neurological status were monitored during her admission. Follow-up medical imaging was performed after the patient's discharge from hospital.