Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) comprises rare systemic vasculitides that can present with cognitive dysfunction. However, data on the screening and characterization of cognitive dysfunction in AAV remain limited. Methods: Cognitive complaints in AAV patients were screened using self-report questionnaires. Objective cognitive impairment was assessed with a standardized neurocognitive test battery. Results were compared with clinical evaluations, brain MRI findings, treatment history, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. All test results were standardized for the overall population. Results: Twelve patients (five women, seven men) with a median [IQR] age of 68 [59–71] and a median [IQR] disease duration of 92 months [55–127] were included. None of the patients showed evidence of vasculitis activity on brain MRI. Cognition was assessed using a standardized neurocognitive test battery in all patients except one. Four patients (36%) were found to have cognitive impairment, defined as three or more altered tests. The most affected functions were attentional and executive, with the d2-R (4/4), Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Delayed Recall (3/4), and Trail Making Test Part B (3/4) showing the most frequent deficiencies. Objective cognitive disorders were not associated with self-reported cognitive complaints. No significant association was found between cognitive impairment and vasculitis activity or sequelae, corticosteroid and immunosuppressive treatments, or neuropsychiatric symptoms. Conclusions: This study highlights the presence of cognitive impairments in AAV, predominantly affecting attentional and executive functions, which may reflect vascular involvement. Early and tailored approaches to cognitive screening and management are essential to improve patient care and quality of life.
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI: 10.3390/jcm14103582
Institutions: Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, Inserm, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Université Paris-Saclay, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Gènes, synapses et cognition, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, GHU Paris psychiatrie & neurosciences
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4410545949