Multiple sclerosis or “inflammatory CADASIL?”: Case Report and review of the literature

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and CADASIL presenting together is exceedingly rare. As more cases of “inflammatory” CADASIL emerge, diagnostic challenges for clinicians increase. We report an individual with MS and CADASIL presenting with cognitive decline at age 25. She presented with gadolinium enhancing lesions on MRI and inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid raising the question of whether these patients should be given a diagnosis of “inflammatory CADASIL” or both MS and CADASIL. Methods: A literature review was conducted on reports of inflammatory CADASIL or MS and CADASIL, clinical presentations including spinal cord lesions and CSF inflammatory markers. Results: Nine cases in the literature of individuals with CADASIL and inflammatory presentations were found with treatment varying from intravenous steroids to MS immunomodulatory therapy. Conclusions: If individuals with CADASIL present with immune mediated inflammatory components they may benefit from immunomodulatory therapy. This is discussed with a review of the inflammatory CADASIL/MS cases in the literature and report of a case.