Clippers: Case Presentation

Background:

Clippers (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids) is a relatively recently described entity, which tipically presents with pontine lesions . It is a chronic inflammatory disease with lymphocitic and hystiocitic infiltration of the pons, but without lesions of myelin or vessel wall, and has to be taken into account of the differentials of demyelinating and not demyelinating pontine lesions.

Objectives:

The purpose of this poster is:

- To review the imaging characteristics of Clippers on MRI

- To show examples of differential diagnosis

Methods:

This poster reviews the imaging characteristics of Clippers based on two pathologically confirmed cases of our institution. Tipically T2 hyperintense lesions are seen in the pons, with strong and irregular enhancement on contrast enhanced images. MS, vasculits, NMO spectrum and lymphoma may cause similar lesions and have to be taken into account when images are reviewed in order to  establish a correct diagnosis.

Results:

This poster reviews the imaging characteristics of Clippers based on two pathologically confirmed cases of our institution. Tipically T2 hyperintense lesions are seen in the pons, with strong and irregular enhancement on contrast enhanced images. MS, vasculits, NMO spectrum and lymphoma may cause similar lesions and have to be taken into account when images are reviewed in order to  establish a correct diagnosis.

Conclusions:

It is important de recognize the imaging charactics of CLIPPERS in order to establish an adecuate diagnosis, as the patients are highly responsive to treament with steroids.