Cerebrovascular lesions and livedo reticularis (Sneddon's syndrome)--a progressive cerebrovascular disorder?

J Neurol. 1985;231(6):324-30. doi: 10.1007/BF00313710.

Abstract

Four cases are described in which livedo reticularis was associated with repeated cerebrovascular accidents, which eventually resulted in severe disability in two cases. Patients with severe disability had a history of many years, whereas two patients with little or moderate residual disability had a follow-up of 3 years each. CT scan revealed multifocal cerebral infarctions and cortical atrophy in all cases. Repeated cerebral angiograms, done in three cases, showed no signs of a vascular disease. There were no parameters that pointed to active immunological or inflammatory disorder. Neither clinical evidence of heart or large vessel disease was found. Observations suggest that a so-far unknown progressive cerebral vessel disease associated with livedo is the cause of a steady increase in multiple small cerebral infarctions. Because of the progressive character of the disease the search for effective therapy is needed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / complications*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / blood supply*
  • Skin Diseases / complications*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Diseases / complications*
  • Vascular Diseases / pathology