Infectious and Postinfectious Vasculopathies

Stroke can accompany many CNS infections, but only a few etiologies present with stroke without other evidence of CNS infection. Chief among these are VZV and T pallidum, the cause of syphilis; a high index of suspicion is required to not miss these diagnoses. Treatment with adjunctive dexamethasone is recommended for individuals with acute pneumococcal meningitis. However, in the era of this treatment a new syndrome, DCV (also termed delayed cerebral thrombosis) has emerged as a complication of adjunctive dexamethasone treatment.

Automated summary

Stroke can be a complication of CNS infections, especially caused by VZV and T pallidum. Treatment with adjunctive dexamethasone for acute pneumococcal meningitis is recommended, but it may lead to the emergence of DCV syndrome.