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Purpose of Review: Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently described treatable, inflammatory, brainstem predominant encephalomyelitis. The diagnosis of CLIPPERS is challenging without a specific biomarker, and thus it is important to consider if both the clinical and radiographic features are consistent with the diagnosis, or rather a disease mimicker. Recent Findings: Many patients with CLIPPERS-like lesions have been described in the literature with follow-up revealing a range of alternative diagnoses, such as malignancies, vasculitis, and other specific inflammatory diseases. As a result, some have proposed that CLIPPERS might represent a pre-malignancy state or simply an initial clinical syndrome of a variety of possible etiologies. Summary: We describe the typical clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of CLIPPERS and emphasize consideration for alternative diagnoses when findings are not classic. A recommended diagnostic evaluation and initial treatment plan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids ( CLIPPERS) is an inflammatory disease in the central nervous system characterized by brainstem symptoms and distinctive radiological features, and responds favorably to steroid therapy. To date, only a few case reports pertaining to this condition have been published, and thus single-photon emission computed tomography findings of CLIPPERS have not been reported. Here, we document our experiences with an 86-year-old patient who we diagnosed with CLIPPERS according to her clinical presentation, radiological findings and favorable response to steroid therapy. N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography showed hypoperfusion in the pons, which was improved by steroid therapy. This case highlights the utility of N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography for assessing pontine dysfunction in CLIPPERS patients both before and after steroid therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An author index for the "European Journal of Neurology," for the 2012 issue is presented.

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