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Background： Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy （CADASIL） is a hereditar5 small artery disease caused by NOTCH3 gene mutation. We performed enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography （EDI-OCT） to evaluate the retinal vessel changes in CADASIL patients and assessed their consonance with brain magnetic resonance imaging （MPRI） findings. Methods： Of 27 genetically confirmed patients and an equal number of controls were recruited at the Peking University First ttospital from January 2015 to August 2016. All patients underwent 7T-MRI of the brain. Fazekas score, number of small infarcts and microblecds were evaluated. All patients and controls underwent EDI-OCT to measure subtbveal choroidal thickness （SFCT）, inner and outer diameters as well as arterial and venous wall thickness, and arterial venous ratio of the inner （AVRin） and outer diameters （AVRout）. The relation between retinal vessel changes and Fazekas scores, numbers of small infarcts, or microbleeds was analyzed. Paired t-test was used to compare the SFCT and retinal vessel measurement data between patients and controls. Spearman＇s correlation was used to investigmc the correlation between retinal vessel changes and MRI lesions. Results： In CADASI L patients, mean SFCT （268.37 ± 46.50 μm） and mean arterial inner diameter （93.46 ± 9.70 gin） were signilicantly lower than that in controls （P 〈 0.00 ）, P = 0.048, respectively）. Mean arterial outer diameter （ 131.74 ± 10.87 μm）, venous inner （ 128.99 ± 13.62 μm） and outer diameter （ 164.82 ±14.77 μm）, and mean arterial （ 19.13 ±1.85 μm） and venous （ 17.91 ±2.76 μm） wall thickness were significantly higher than that in controls （P = 0.023, P 0.004, P 〈 0.001, P 〈 0.001, respectively）. Arterial inner diameter （r= - 0.39, P 0.044）] AVRin （r -0.65, P 〈 0.001）, and AVR,, （r =0.56, P - 0.002） showed a negative correlation with the number of small infarcts. Venous inner diameter （rs=0.46, P= 0.016） showed a positive correlation with the number of small infarcts. Venous inner diameter （r 0.59, P = 0.002）, outer diameter （rs=0.47, P= 0.017）, showed a positive correlation with the number of cerebral microbleeds （CM Bs）. AVRin （r =0.52, P = 0.007） and AVRout （r = -0.40, P =0.048） showed a negative correlation with the number of CMBs. Conclusions： Measurement of retinal vessels using EDI-OCT correlates moderately well with MRI parameters. EDI-OCT might bc a useful evaluation tool for CADASIL patients.

We studied small vessel disease (SVD) pathology in Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) subjects carrying the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) p.Glu280Ala mutation in comparison to those with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD) as a positive control for Alzheimer's pathology and Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) bearing different NOTCH3 mutations, as positive controls for SVD pathology. Upon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in life, some FAD showed mild white matter hyperintensities and no further radiologic evidence of SVD. In post‐mortem studies, total SVD pathology in cortical areas and basal ganglia was similar in PSEN1 FAD and CADASIL subjects, except for the feature of arteriosclerosis which was higher in CADASIL subjects than in PSEN1 FAD subjects. Further only a few SAD subjects showed a similar degree of SVD pathology as observed in CADASIL. Furthermore, we found significantly enlarged perivascular spaces in vessels devoid of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in FAD compared with SAD and CADASIL subjects. As expected, there was greater fibrinogen‐positive perivascular reactivity in CADASIL but similar reactivity in PSEN1 FAD and SAD groups. Fibrinogen immunoreactivity correlated with onset age in the PSEN1 FAD cases, suggesting increased vascular permeability may contribute to cognitive decline. Additionally, we found reduced perivascular expression of PDGFRβ AQP4 in microvessels with enlarged PVS in PSEN1 FAD cases. We demonstrate that there is Aβ‐independent SVD pathology in PSEN1 FAD, that was marginally lower than that in CADASIL subjects although not evident by MRI. These observations suggest presence of covert SVD even in PSEN1, contributing to disease progression. As is the case in SAD, these consequences may be preventable by early recognition and actively controlling vascular disease risk, even in familial forms of dementia.

INTRODUCTION Myelin is pivotal for signal transfer and thus cognition. Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is primarily associated with white matter (WM) lesions and diffusion changes; however, myelin alterations and related cognitive impairments in cSVD remain unclear. METHODS We included 64 patients with familial cSVD (i.e., cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy [CADASIL]) and 20 cognitively unimpaired individuals. χ separation applied to susceptibility weighted imaging was used to assess myelin and iron within WM hyperintensities, normal appearing WM, and two strategic fiber tracts. Diffusion‐based mean diffusivity and free water were analyzed for comparisons. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Trail Making Test. RESULTS CADASIL patients showed reduced myelin within WM hyperintensities and its penumbra in the normal appearing WM. Myelin was moderately correlated with diffusion and iron changes and associated with slower processing speed controlled for diffusion and iron alterations. DISCUSSION Myelin constitutes WM alterations distinct from diffusion changes and substantially contributes to explaining cognitive impairment in cSVD. Highlights χ‐negative magnetic resonance signal was reduced within white matter hyperintensities and normal appearing white matter in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, suggesting widespread myelin decreases due to cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). χ‐negative values were only moderately associated with diffusion tensor imaging derived indices including free water and mean diffusivity, suggesting that χ separation depicts distinct microstructural changes in cSVD. Alterations in χ‐negative values made a unique contribution to explain processing speed impairment, even when controlled for diffusion and iron changes.

Head MRI images of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients during migraine attacks are rare.

Symmetrical lesions in the temporal poles and external capsules on brain MRI are known as radiological markers of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL); however, similar imaging findings have also been reported in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and this study investigated the frequency of such findings. The study included 55 NMOSD patients who met the 2015 international NMO diagnosis panel (IPND) criteria and were positive for aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab). Images were evaluated based on the consensus of two neuroradiologists, and brain lesions were detected in 33 patients, of whom 2 (6%) had symmetrical lesions in both the temporal poles and external capsules, and 1 (3%) had symmetrical lesions confined to the external capsules. Therefore, when symmetrical lesions in the temporal poles and external capsules are observed on MRI, NMOSD should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

PurposeThis study aimed to assess alterations in retinal vascular density in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and investigate their association with MRI and cognitive features.MethodsTwenty-five patients with CADASIL and forty healthy controls were evaluated by Cirrus HD-OCT 5000 with AngioPlex OCTA to determine changes in macular retinal vasculature. Retinal vasculature parameters between two groups were compared. The MRI lesion burden and neuropsychological scales were also examined in patients. The association between OCTA parameters and MRI/cognitive features was evaluated using partial Spearman rank correlation.ResultsThe vessel density and perfusion density of whole image in macular region (vessel density: t =  − 2.834, p = 0.005; perfusion density: t =  − 2.691, p = 0.007) were significantly decreased in patients with CADASIL. Moreover, vessel density of whole image in macular region was negatively associated with Fazekas scores (ρ =  − 0.457; p = 0.025) and the number of lacunar infractions (ρ =  − 0.425, p = 0.038) after adjustment for age. Decreased macular vessel density and perfusion density of whole image were also associated with MoCA scores (vessel density: ρ = 0.542, p = 0.006; perfusion density: ρ = 0.478, p = 0.018) and other domain-specific neuropsychological tests (p < 0.05) after adjustment for age.ConclusionDecreased retinal vascular density was associated with increased MRI lesion burden and cognitive impairment in patients with CADASIL. Our findings suggest that the degree of retinal vascular involvement, as demonstrated by OCTA, may be consistent with the severity of MRI lesions and the degree of cognitive impairment in patients.

Background/Objectives： Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a prevalent Mendelian disorder caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene, primarily impacting cerebral small blood vessels. This review aims to explore the involvement of large intracranial arteries in CADASIL, particularly focusing on the association with RNF213 polymorphisms, especially in Asian populations. Methods： A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather data on the morphological features of both small and large intracranial arteries in CADASIL, examining clinical manifestations, imaging findings, and genetic associations. Results： The findings indicate that while CADASIL is predominantly characterized by small vessel disease, a significant number of patients also exhibit large artery involvement, particularly Asian populations where RNF213 polymorphisms may play a critical role. The review highlights the evidence of intracranial stenosis and the potential implications of traditional vascular risk factors, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, which are prevalent in these populations. Conclusions： The involvement of larger intracranial arteries in CADASIL underscores the complexity of the disease, suggesting that both genetic predispositions and environmental factors contribute to vascular abnormalities. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CADASIL patients.

The neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 3 (NOTCH3), is central in both vasculogenesis and oncogenesis and, therefore, has been considered an important factor in the development of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and breast cancer (BC). Pathogenic mutations of NOTCH3 induce vascular smooth muscle cell degeneration, microvascular dysfunction and neurovascular damage in cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), which is a genetic cause of CSVD. Meanwhile, NOTCH3 aberrant signalling in BC promotes tumour progression, metastasis and chemoresistance, especially in aggressive subtypes, such as triple-negative BC. A growing body of evidence points to a common molecular pathway whereby NOTCH3 dysregulation mediates vascular and tumour pathologies, thus providing an important link between these conditions. This narrative review synthesises current insights into the dual role of NOTCH3, focusing on translational relevance as a therapeutic target. Targeting NOTCH3 may mitigate vascular damage in CSVD and simultaneously inhibit tumour progression and metastasis in BC. The review further discusses NOTCH3 as a biomarker for early diagnosis and risk stratification, besides novel therapeutic strategies involving γ-secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Future directions include studies into the ligand-independent functions of NOTCH3, its role within the tumour microenvironment, and the development of therapies with dual-action potential. This review discusses, for the 1st time, common mechanisms between CSVD and BC, thereby opening new avenues for therapies that could effectively target both conditions. By translating these laboratory findings into clinical applications, this approach aims to improve outcomes for patients affected by these devastating disorders.

Abstract Introduction: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common inherited cerebral small vessel disease and is a cause of early onset ischemic lacunar stroke. COVID-19 infection may lead, in addition to acute respiratory syndrome, to vascular complications including stroke. Herein, we report three CADASIL patients presenting with cerebral border-zone infarcts concomitant to COVID-19 infection and summarize similar cases previously published in literature. Methods: Clinical and radiological features of the 3 patients were collected and described. A narrative review of literature was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar by the end of 2022 using the “CADASIL” AND “COVID-19” AND “stroke” terms. Results: In our 3 patients, aged 40–58 years, stroke symptoms occurred one to 11 days after the first COVID-19 manifestations. Pulmonary symptoms were mild or absent. One patient presented with hemodynamic failure presumably related to acute cardiomyopathy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed in all cases, ischemic lesions within border-zone areas in both cerebral hemispheres, lesions in the genu of the corpus callosum or in the medium cerebellar peduncles in two cases. The watershed pattern of ischemic lesions was detected in two cases despite any blood pressure drop or severe respiratory dysfunction. Seven CADASIL patients presenting with acute brain infarcts (multiple in 4/7) in context of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified in literature, despite no fall in blood pressure except for one of them. Conclusion: Our observations, in line with previous reports, further suggest that COVID-19 infection may alter blood flow autoregulation in the deepest cerebral white matter in CADASIL patients. The thrombocytopathy and endotheliopathy developing during COVID-19 infection may participate to the underlying vascular processes.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with different neurological conditions such as Guillain-Barré, encephalitis and stroke. Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited small-vessel disease characterized by recurrent ischemic stroke, cognitive decline, migraine and mood disturbances. One of the mechanisms involved in CADASIL pathogenesis is endothelial dysfunction, which causes an increased risk of recurrent strokes. Since COVID-19 infection is also associated with coagulopathy and endothelial dysfunction, the risk of ischemic stroke might be even higher in this population. We describe the case of a CADASIL patient who developed an acute ischemic stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In patients with diseases causing endothelial dysregulation, such as CADASIL, the hypercoagulability related to COVID-19 may contribute to the risk of stroke recurrence.