Abstract Details

Title Nivolumab-induced Central Nervous System (CNS) Vasculitis Brought on by a Steroid Taper

Topic Neuro-oncology

Presentation(s) P12 - Poster Session 12 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 11-003

Objective

To illustrate a case of nivolumab-induced CNS vasculitis that developed while tapering steroids and was successfully treated expectantly without immunosuppression

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4 activity are associated with CNS vasculitis. Generally, both intra- and extracranial vasculitides are treated with steroids

Design/Methods N/A

Results A 75 year-old male received two months of concurrent chemoradiation with weekly carboplatin/paclitaxel for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Esophagectomy was considered, but the patient opted for active surveillance. Three years later, enlarging lung nodules heralded recurrent, metastatic esophageal cancer. Treatment with FOLFOX and nivolumab was initiated. Six months later, due to worsening fatigue, he was transitioned to nivolumab monotherapy. Over the following two weeks, he developed progressive dyspnea. Work-up suggested ICI-associated pneumonitis, and he was started on 50 mg prednisone, with weekly taper. A month later, at 30 mg daily, he developed confusion and was hospitalized. A brain MRI revealed multifocal lesions, some with ring-enhancement, concerning for metastases or abscess. Cerebellar biopsy demonstrated small-vessel CNS vasculitis, but given clinical improvement without treatment the patient was managed expectantly and returned back to baseline over two weeks

Conclusions This case of biopsy-proven ICI-associated CNS vasculitis developed while tapering steroids, and was treated conservatively. Steroids are first-line treatment for vasculitis; the development of vasculitis while tapering steroids thus raises the possibility of a rebound effect facilitating the development of vasculitis. Cases of CNS vasculitis that started while tapering steroids have been infrequently reported in the literature, but to our knowledge this is the first description of this phenomenon with ICI-associated CNS vasculitis. Additionally, this patient underwent biopsy with concern for metastasis or abscess, but ultimately did not necessitate treatment for vasculitis. This raises the possibility that active surveillance is a reasonable management strategy in cases of self-resolving ICI-associated CNS vasculitis

Authors/Disclosures
Nishika Karbhari, MD (Dartmouth-Hitchcock) PRESENTER	Dr. Karbhari has nothing to disclose.
Brahyan Galindo Mendez, MD, MPH (BWH, CART)	Dr. Galindo Mendez has nothing to disclose.
Nathaniel M. Robbins, MD (MGB)	Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Red Nucleus. Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for TDG Health. Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Consultant for Jupiter Life Science Consulting. Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from Diamond Endowment Fund. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from Reeves Endowment Fund. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from Institute for Ethnomedicine. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from Theravance. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from Dysautonomia International. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from National Institute of Health. The institution of Dr. Robbins has received research support from Vertex pharmaceutical. Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation in the range of $50,000-$99,999 for serving as a Locums neurohospitalist with Hayes Locums. Dr. Robbins has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Speaker with The Dysautonomia Project.

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