Peppering the pons: CLIPPERS or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease?

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a distinct pathologic entity of unknown etiology. Here, we describe the clinical and radiologic presentation of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease (MOG-AD) with features mimicking CLIPPERS. Three patients met the 2017 CLIPPERS diagnostic criteria, while one patient had a single lesion in the pons that mimicked CLIPPERS lesions. All had an excellent response to steroids, but the three who met the CLIPPERS criteria had a relapsing course. When CLIPPERS is observed, it is crucial to test for mimickers. The everexpanding spectrum of MOG-AD calls for further research into the immunopathogenesis of its several phenotypes.

Automated summary

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a distinct pathologic entity of unknown etiology, but caution is needed for diseases like myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease (MOG-AD) that mimic CLIPPERS. The everexpanding spectrum of MOG-AD calls for further research into the immunopathogenesis of its several phenotypes.