Intracerebral hemorrhage due to moyamoya syndrome as a rare presentation of cerebral rheumatoid vasculitis: a case report

Background Central nervous system affection in rheumatoid arthritis is rare. The most frequently encountered neurological complications with rheumatoid arthritis are peripheral neuropathy and atlantoaxial subluxation with subsequent spinal cord compression. Cerebral rheumatoid vasculitis is not a common complication. Case presentation A 60-year-old Egyptian female with history of rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years presented with headache and receptive aphasia. Computed tomography scan of the brain showed recent intracerebral hemorrhage. Digital subtraction cerebral angiography showed moyamoya syndrome angiographic pattern as sequelae of intracranial vasculitis. The patient did well with conservative management. Conclusion Cerebral rheumatoid vasculitis is rare, but can be a life-threatening condition. Early management of rheumatoid arthritis is essential to prevent such serious complication.