Global and regional central nervous system sequelae of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a devastating systemic condition affecting about 300 people per million annually. While the systemic consequences of this condition are well documented, its central nervous system sequelae are poorly understood. We performed a cross-sectional study comparing AAV survivors to control subjects using quantitative MRI and cognitive testing. Among AAV survivors with a median disease duration of 64 months, we found no difference in imaging markers of global white matter abnormality, although there was evidence of regional differences in the insular cortex and temporal lobe. Additionally, on radiologist review, AAV survivors had a higher odds of while matter hyperintensities compared with control subjects. AAV survivors also had measurable deficits in episodic memory and response inhibition. This study suggests that while AAV survivors may not experience diffuse cerebral injury, they may experience subclinical, region-specific structural and cognitive changes, offering insights into residual neurologic deficits in these patients.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Sc

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Zhang, Zhubo

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Garg, Amit
• Huang, Shih-Han
• Barra, Lillian

• Vasculitis
• Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
• magnetic resonance imaging
• cognition
• nervous system

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/39870

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/39870