Leucoencefalopatia tóxica por inhalación de heroína "Chasing the Dragon": serie de casos / Toxic Leukoencephalopathy by inhaling heroin "Chasing the Dragon": case series

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La leucoencefalopatia tóxica es una afección que compromete la sustancia blanca por exposición a sustancias tóxicas. La heroina es una de las implicadas en el desarrollo de la leucoencefalopatia con diferencias exclusivas que suceden con la inhalación según las diversas técnicas en comparación al uso intravenoso, bien sea de la heroína o de otras sustancias psicoactivas. En esta serie describimos cinco casos, de sexo masculino, que desarrollaron leucoencefalopatia espongiforme por heroína (LEH) posterior a la inhalación de vapores, en un hospital del sistema de salud público en la ciudad de Armenia, Colombia. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características demográficas, clínicas, hallazgos de laboratorio e imágenes diagnósticas, así como la mortalidad asociada a LEH en la muestra estudiada. MÉTODOS: Recolección de datos de historias clinicas y búsqueda de imágenes registradas en el Hospital San Juan de Dios de Armenia durante el periodo 2017-2018. RESULTADOS: Se obtienen cinco casos clínicos de pacientes usuarios de vapores inhalados de heroina, quienes ingresan con signos neurológicos de predominio motores y extrapiramidales, con el signo radiológico clásico de "Chasing the Dragon" en estudios de TC cerebral simple en todos los casos. De los cinco casos se presenta un deceso, determinando una mortalidad de 20% comparado con un 25% de mortalidad reportado en la literatura. CONCLUSIONES: La LEH suele estar subdiagnosticada dado que suele confundirse con un trastorno neuropsiquiatríco o de la conducta asociada al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA), el diagnóstico se realizó con los hallazgos típicos en las imágenes de TC cerebral simple. Se debe tener en cuenta las estadísticas sobre consumo de heroína a la hora de realizar el abordaje de un paciente con historial de consumo de SPA y los signos neurológicos para relacionarlos con esta etiologia y dar un manejo integral a estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT IlNTRODUCTION: Toxic leukoencephalopathy is a condition that compromises the encephalic white matter due to exposure to toxic substances. Heroin is one of those involved in the development of leukoencephalopathy and there are certain differences that occur with its inhalation with the different techniques compared to intravenous use, either heroin or other psychoactive substances. In this serie, we describe five cases of male sex who developed heroin spongiform leukoencephalopathy (HSLE) after inhalation of vapors, in a Hospital of the public health system in the city of Armenia, Colombia. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and diagnostic images, as well as the mortality associated with HSLE in the sample studied. METHODS: Collection of data from medical records and search of images registered at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Armenia during the period 2017-2018. RESULTS: Five clinical cases were obtained of patients who were users of inhaled heroin vapors and were admitted to the hospital with predominantly motor and extrapyramidal neurological signs, with simple brain CT studies showing the classic radiological sign of "Chasing the Dragon" in all five cases. One death was presented, with a mortality of 20% compared to the 25% mortality that has been reported in the scientific literature. CONCLUSIONS: HSLE is usually underdiagnosed since it is often confused with a neuropsychiatric or behavioral disorder associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances (PAS). The diagnosis was made with the typical findings in simple brain CT images. Statistics on heroin use must be considered when approaching a patient with a history of PAS use and neurological signs, to relate them to this etiology and provide comprehensive management to these patients.

Relación médico legal de la enfermedad de sustancia blanca evanescente como un estado anterior y su implicación ante el trauma craneoencefálico: reporte de caso / Medical-legal relationship of evanescent white matter disease as a previous state and its implication in the cranioencephalic trauma: case report

Resumen La enfermedad de sustancia blanca representa una enfermedad poco común en usuarios que se apersonan al Organismo de Investigación Judicial, por este motivo al valorar un caso es necesario investigar los antecedentes de la medicina legal para establecer mecanismos causales con hechos representados en la sociedad. Además, es necesario abordar la enfermedad de sustancia blanca desde su aparición, incidencia, aspectos clínicos, hallazgos ante una posible autopsia, explorar el desarrollo de fisiopatología como indagar acerca de las formas de diagnosticar la enfermedad y valorar las opciones terapéuticas. Estos conocimientos son base para establecer una relación médico legal y analizar si el caso de una niña de 9 años tiene correlación con una historia de trauma en cabeza que no evidencia cambios inflamatorios, aumento de volumen de tejidos blandos o duros, excoriaciones, equimosis, hematomas, cicatrices, gradas o callos óseos y con valoraciones médicas que indican tetraparesia flácida en ausencia de hallazgos patológicos al reporte de tomografía axial computarizada y resonancia magnética de columna cervicodorsal.

Abstract White matter disease represents a rare disease in users who go to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (Judicial Investigation Agency) for this reason, when evaluating a case, it is necessary to investigate the antecedents of legal medicine to establish causal mechanisms with facts represented in society. In addition, it is necessary to address white matter disease from its appearance, incidence, clinical aspects, findings in a possible autopsy, explore the development of pathophysiology such as inquire about ways to diagnose the disease, and assess therapeutic options. This knowledge is the basis for establishing a legal medical relationship and analyzing whether the case of a 9-year-old girl has a correlation with a history of head trauma that does not show inflammatory changes, increased soft or hard tissue volume, excoriations, bruising, bruising. , scars, bleachers or calluses and with medical evaluations that indicate flaccid tetraparesis in the absence of pathological findings on the report of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervicodorsal spine.

Clinical findings of equine leukoencephalomalacia / Achados clínicos de leucoencefalomalácia equina

Equine leukoencephalomalacia (LEM) is a disease caused by the ingestion of food, especially corn, contaminated by fumonisin, a Fusarium verticillioides (synonymous with F. moniliforme) metabolite. The clinical signs of brain injuries have an acute onset and rapid evolution. This study aimed to describe the clinical findings in 11 animals diagnosed with LEM, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Of these animals, 91% (10/11) were horses, and only 9% (1/11) were asinine. The clinical localization of the lesions was 64% (7/10) cerebral, manifested mainly by altered mental state and behavioral disturbance, and 36% (4/11) were brainstem lesions, manifested by incoordination, head tilt, nystagmus, facial hypoalgesia, difficulty in apprehension, chewing, and swallowing food. Postmortem findings revealed that 82% (9/11) of the lesions were in the cerebrum and 18% (2/11) in the brainstem. CSF findings, such as xanthochromia (43%, 3/7), hyperproteinorrachia (50%, 3/6), and pleocytosis (43%, 3/7) were observed. The affected animals showed neurological signs that were compatible with cerebral and/or brainstem injuries. The CSF from animals with LEM may present with xanthochromia, hyperproteinorrachia, and pleocytosis, reinforcing the fact that this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of encephalomyelopathies.(AU)

A leucoencefalomalácia (LEM) é uma enfermidade que acomete equídeos causada pela ingestão de milho e seus derivados e feno contaminados pela micotoxina fumonisina, um metabólito do fungo Fusarium verticillioides (sinônimo para F. moniliforme). Os sinais clínicos apresentam início agudo e evolução rápida e são decorrentes de lesões encefálicas. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever os achados clínicos de 11 equídeos diagnosticados com LEM, incluindo a análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR). 91% dos animais afetados eram equinos e somente 9% (1/11) era asinino. A localização clínica das lesões era 64% (7/10) cerebrais, manifestadas por alterações no estado mental e comportamento e 36% (4/10) no tronco encefálico, manifestadas por incoordenação, desvio lateral de cabeça, nistagmo, hipoalgesia da face e dificuldade de apreensão, mastigação e deglutição de alimentos. Comparativamente, os achados post mortem revelaram que 82% (9/11) das lesões eram no cérebro e 18% (2/11) no tronco encefálico. Alterações no LCR, tais como xantocromia (43%, 3/7), hiperproteinorraquia (50%, 3/6) e pleocitose (43%, 3/7), foram observadas. Os animais afetados apresentaram sinais clínicos compatíveis com lesões encefálicas e/ou de tronco cerebral. O LCR de animais com LEM pode apresentar xantocromia, hiperproteinorraquia, e pleocitose, reforçando que esta doença deve ser incluída como diagnóstico diferencial de encefalomielites.(AU)

Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria / Atherosclerotic Carotid Disease and White Matter Disease in Subjects Without a History of Cerebral Infarction or Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa (ECA) es un factor de riesgo importante para enfermedad vascular cerebral. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo vascular mayores con ECA y leucopatía cerebral en pacientes sin historia de ictus isquémico. Método: Se evaluaron factores de riesgo en sujetos con exploración de carótidas mediante ultrasonografía Doppler dúplex. No se incluyeron casos con historia de infarto cerebral o ataque isquémico transitorio. Los sujetos contaron con resonancia magnética cerebral y se excluyeron aquellos con lesiones isquémicas de grandes vasos. Se construyeron modelos multivariable para la predicción de ECA, estenosis carotídea significativa, carga de ateromas y leucopatía cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 145 sujetos (60.7 % mujeres, edad de 73 años). Se documentó ECA en 54.5 %, estenosis carotídea ≥ 50 % en 9 %, carga de placas de ateroma > 6 en 7.6 % y leucopatía periventricular o subcortical en 28.3 % (20.6 % tenían concurrentemente ECA y leucopatía). Los factores asociados independientemente con ECA fueron edad e hipertensión; con estenosis ≥ 50 %, hipertensión; con cargas de ateromas > 6 placas, edad; con leucopatía, edad, diabetes e hipertensión. La obesidad no se asoció con las variables independientes analizadas. Conclusiones: En los sujetos asintomáticos sin historia de ictus isquémico, la edad y la hipertensión fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para enfermedad macrovascular. La diabetes mellitus se asoció con enfermedad microvascular. La obesidad por sí sola no fue un determinante mayor de ECA o leucopatía cerebral.

Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. Objective: To analyze the association of major vascular risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD and white matter disease (WMD) in patients without a history of ischemic stroke. Method: Risk factors were assessed with carotid examination using Doppler duplex ultrasound. Cases with a history cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack were not included. Subjects had brain magnetic resonance imaging scans available and those with large-artery ischemic lesions were excluded. Multivariate models were constructed for the prediction of atherosclerotic CAD, significant carotid stenosis, atheroma burden and WMD. Results: One-hundred and forty-five subjects were assessed (60.7% were females, mean age was 73 years). Atherosclerotic CAD was documented in 54.5%, carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 9.0%, > 6 atheroma plaques in 7.6%, and periventricular or subcortical WMD in 28.3% (20.6% had atherosclerotic CAD and WMD concurrently). Risk factors independently associated with atherosclerotic CAD were age and hypertension; hypertension was associated with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis; age was associated with > 6 atheroma plaques; and age, diabetes and hypertension were associated with WMD. Obesity was not associated with any of the analyzed independent variables. Conclusions: In asymptomatic subjects without a history of ischemic stroke, age and hypertension were the most important risk factors for macrovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was associated with microvascular disease. Obesity alone was not a major determinant of CAD or WMD.

Leucoencefalopatia com substância branca evanescente: um relato de caso / Leukoencephalopathy with evanescent white matter: a case report

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma criança diagnosticada com leucoencefalopatia com substância branca evanescente (LSBE), uma doença genética rara que possui padrão de herança autossômico recessivo. Descrição do caso: Criança do sexo masculino, com 5 meses de idade, que mostrava recusa da amamentação e sonolência, começou a apresentar quadro de desidratação, com boca seca, aumento da temperatura corporal e adipsia. Com o passar dos dias, os sintomas agravaram-se. O lactente apresentou-se muito sonolento e foi transferido para a unidade de tratamento intensivo (UTI), onde permaneceu por uma semana. Nesse período, foi identificada, na ressonância magnética de crânio, uma alteração de sinal com predomínio hiperatenuado T2, comprometendo particularmente a substância branca, de aspecto difuso e simétrico. O lactente apresentou crises convulsivas desde então. Aos 11 meses foi diagnosticado com tonsilite, demonstrando quadros recorrentes de picos febris e sonolência excessiva. Na evolução do quadro, o lactente entrou em estado comatoso progredindo a óbito. O diagnóstico de LSBE foi confirmado em exames realizados após o óbito, e tardiamente foi identificada uma doença genética decorrente de mutações em um dos cinco genes que são responsáveis pela codificação do complexo fator de iniciação da tradução de eucariontes 2B (eIF2B), envolvido com o controle da tradução de proteínas, sendo descrita como patogênica em indivíduos com LSBE. Comentários: A LSBE é uma doença cerebral hereditária com início na infância. A doença apresenta-se de maneira crônica e progressiva, com episódios adicionais de rápida deterioração, como evidenciado no presente relato de caso.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the case of a child diagnosed with leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (LVWM), a rare genetic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Case description: A 5-month-old male child started to refuse breast-feeding, showing somnolence and signs of dehydration,with dry mouth, increasing body temperature and adipsy. As days went by, the symptoms got worse. The infant was very sleepy and was transferred to the intensive care unit, where he stayed for one week. At this time, a signal alteration with hyper attenuated T2 predominance was identified in the magnetic resonance imaging, compromising the white matter, which had diffuse and symmetrical aspect. At this time, the infant started to present seizures. When the infant was 11 months old, he was diagnosed with tonsillitis and presented recurrent fever peaks and extreme sleepiness. After hospital admission, the infant progressed to a comatose state and died. The diagnosis of LVWM was confirmed in examinations performed after death. As a late diagnosis, a genetic disease was identified with a mutation in one of the five genes responsible for the codification of complex eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), involved with the control of the protein translation and which is described as pathogenic in individuals with LVWM. Comments: LVWM is a hereditary brain disease that occurs primarily in children. The disease is chronic and progressive, with additional episodes of rapid deterioration, as shown in the present case report.

Síndrome epiléptico ligado al cromosoma X por mutación de la protocaderina 19 (OMIM 300088) asociado con leucoencefalopatía y tractopatía posterior reversible / X-linked epileptic syndrome by protocadherin 19 mutation associated with leukoencephalopathy and posterior reversible tractopathy

La epilepsia con retardo mental ligado al cromosoma X por mutación del gen PCDH19, es una condición que solo se presenta en las mujeres. El cuadro clínico suele verse complicado con retardo global del desarrollo y epilepsia. En la edad adulta puede manifestarse con discapacidad intelectual y hasta 20 % de las mujeres afectadas no presentan convulsiones ni retardo intelectual. Se presenta el caso de una niña con epilepsia, retardo del desarrollo y conversión autista, asociados con leucoencefalopatía y tractopatía posterior reversible por mutación del PCDH19 (c.142G>T/ p.Glu48X).

Epilepsy and mental retardation produced by mutations in gene PCDH19 (protocadherin 19) is an X-linked syndrome restricted to females. It starts with global and speech developmental delay and epilepsy; intellectual disability may continue in adults. At least in 20% of cases, there are no seizures or intellectual retardation. We report the case of a girl with epilepsy, developmental delay, and autistic conversion associated with posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy and tractopathy produced by PCDH19 mutation (c.142G>T/ p.Glu48X).

Asociación entre la mutación homocigota c.318A>T en el exón 2 del gen EIF2B5 y la forma infantil de la leucoencefalopatía con sustancia blanca evanescente / Association between homozygous c.318A>GT mutation in exon 2 of the EIF2B5 gene and the infantile form of vanishing white matter leukoencephalopathy

Resumen: Introducción: La leucoencefalopatía con sustancia blanca evanescente es una de las leucodistrofias más frecuentes. Generalmente inicia en la infancia y presenta un patrón de herencia autosómica recesiva. El 90% de los casos manifiesta mutaciones en uno de los genes que codifican para las cinco subunidades del factor de iniciación eucariótica 2 (EIF2B5). El diagnóstico se realiza por las manifestaciones clínicas, hallazgos en la resonancia magnética cerebral y estudios moleculares confirmatorios. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 13 meses con neurodesarrollo previo normal. Antecedente de internamiento por vómito, hipertermia, irritabilidad y rechazo a la vía oral de 15 días de evolución. Ante la exploración presentó perímetro cefálico y pares craneales normales. Se encontró hipotónico, con reflejos incrementados, sin datos meníngeos ni de cráneo hipertensivo. La tomografía de cráneo mostró hipodensidad generalizada de la sustancia blanca. Egresó sin recuperar deambulación. A los 15 días presentó somnolencia y crisis convulsivas focales después de traumatismo craneoencefálico. En la resonancia magnética se observó hipointensidad generalizada de sustancia blanca. Ante la sospecha de leucoencefalopatía con sustancia blanca evanescente, se solicitó la secuenciación del gen EIF2B5, que reportó mutación homocigota c.318A>T en el exón 2. El paciente requirió múltiples hospitalizaciones por hipertermia y descontrol de crisis convulsivas. Posteriormente mostró deterioro cognitivo, motor y pérdida de la agudeza visual. Falleció a los 6 años por neumonía severa. Conclusiones: Este caso contribuye a conocer el espectro de mutaciones que se presenta en pacientes mexicanos y permite ampliar el fenotipo asociado con esta mutación.

Abstract: Background: Vanishing white matter disease is one of the most frequent leukodystrophies in childhood with an autosomal recessive inheritance. A mutation in one of the genes encoding the five subunits of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (EIF2B5) is present in 90% of the cases. The diagnosis can be accomplished by the clinical and neuroradiological findings and molecular tests. Case report: We describe a thirteen-month-old male with previous normal neurodevelopment, who was hospitalized for vomiting, hyperthermia and irritability. On examination, cephalic perimeter and cranial pairs were normal. Hypotonia, increased muscle stretching reflexes, generalized white matter hypodensity on cranial tomography were found. Fifteen days after discharge, he suffered minor head trauma presenting drowsiness and focal seizures. Magnetic resonance showed generalized hypointensity of white matter. Vanishing white matter disease was suspected, and confirmed by sequencing of the EIF2B5 gene, revealing a homozygous c.318A> T mutation in exon 2. Subsequently, visual acuity was lost and cognitive and motor deterioration was evident. The patient died at six years of age due to severe pneumonia. Conclusions: This case contributes to the knowledge of the mutational spectrum present in Mexican patients and allows to extend the phenotype associated to this mutation.

Lesiones en la sustancia blanca en el paciente anciano: Utilización de la terminología adecuada / White matter lesions in an elderly patient: Using the proper terminology

En Neurorradiología los cambios de la sustancia blanca periventricular o subcortical en pacientes ancianos son descritos generalmente con leucoaraiosis, fenómenos hipóxico-isquémicos crónicos, leucoencefalopatía microangiopática o simplemente con alteraciones en la densidad o intensidad según el método elegido. Sin embargo, ¿es correcto el empleo de estas denominaciones?, ¿funcionan como sinónimos?, ¿tienen un mismo mecanismo de producción? Las lesiones que afectan a la sustancia blanca se aprecian hipodensas en tomografía computada, hiperintensas en las secuencias ponderadas en T2 o FLAIR e hipointensas en la resonancia magnética en ponderación T1. Describimos las distintas entidades que pueden afectar selectivamente la sustancia blanca en el paciente anciano y sus probables mecanismos de acción, para establecer una correcta denominación y realizar los diagnósticos diferenciales.

In Neuroradiology the changes in the deep or sub-cortical white matter in elderly people are generally described as leukoaraiosis, chronic hypoxic-ischaemic processes, microangiopathic leucoencephalopathy, or they are simply mentioned as density or intensity changes according to the selected imaging method. However, are these terms correct?, Are they synonyms?, Do they have the same aetiology? The lesions that affect white matter are hypodense in computed tomography, hyperintense in T2-weighted or FLAIR, or hypointense in T1 images in magnetic resonance. A description is presented on the different conditions that can selectively affect the white matter in the elderly patient and their probable mechanisms of action in order to establish a correct nomenclature, as well as make differential diagnoses.

Leucoencefalopatía tóxica fatal: tres casos asociados al consumo de pasta base de cocaína / Fatal toxic leukoencephalopathy associated with consumption of pasta base of cocaine: Report of three cases

The prevalence of drug-associated toxic encephalopathy is unknown, but it is an uncommon condition. Toxic leukoencephalopathy was described associated with heroin consumption, it has been less commonly described with the use of cocaine and there are no reports of its association with consumption pasta base of cocaine (PBC). We report two females aged 31 years and a male aged 19 years, consumers of PBC who developed a fatal toxic leukoencephalopathy. They initiated their disease with severe and persistent headache, sequential focal neurologic deficits and a progressive impairment of consciousness that culminated with their death. Laboratory parameters such as blood count, cerebrospinal fluid analyses or infectious biological indices were normal. MRI showed multifocal lesions in brain white matter of both hemispheres confirming the leukoencephalopathy. There was no response to the use of methylprednisolone.

Encefalopatía inducida por 5-fluorouracilo Un mismo agente, dos entidades diferentes / Encephalopathy induced by 5-fluorouracil The same agent, two different entities

La neurotoxicidad de los medicamentos antineoplásicos es un fenómeno de relativa frecuencia, que ocurre principalmente sobre el sistema nervioso periférico y más comúnmente con fármacos citotóxicos como platinos, taxanos y derivados de la vinca. La toxicidad sobre el sistema nervioso central asociado al uso del 5-fluorouracilo es por el contrario un evento poco común, pero no por ello menos importante. El clínico debe aprender a reconocer y tratar las dos variedades de esta condición médica: la encefalopatía aguda y la leucoencefalopatía subaguda; cada una con fisiopatología, manifestaciones clínicas y tratamiento diferentes. La siguiente presentación de casos ejemplifica estas dos variedades y brinda elementos diagnósticos y terapéuticos para cada una de ellas. (ActaMed Colomb 2015; 40: 338-344).

The neurotoxicity of anticancer drugs is a relatively common phenomenon, occurring mainly on the peripheral nervous system, most commonly with cytotoxic drugs such as platinum, taxanes and vinca derivatives. Toxicity on the central nervous system associated with the use of 5-fluorouracil is on the contrary a rare event, which does not make it less important. The clinician must learn to recognize and treat the two varieties of this medical condition: acute encephalopathy and sub-acute leukoencephalopathy, each with different pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and treatment. The following case presentation illustrates these two varieties and provides diagnostic and therapeutic elements for each one of them. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 338-344).

Multiorgan disorder syndrome (MODS) in an octagenarian suggests mitochondrial disorder / Síndrome mitocondrial no sindrómico con fallas de múltiples sistemas. Presentación de un caso

Non-syndromic, multi-organ mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) are frequently missed if treating physicians are not aware of them. We report a 85 years old Caucasian male, referred for tonic-clonic seizures, presenting with a plethora of abnormalities, including neurodermitis, atopic dermatitis, diabetes, hypertension, renal insufficiency, non-specific colitis, urine bladder lithiasis, bilateral cataracts, atrial fibrillation, diverticulosis, polyneuropathy, vitamin-D-deficiency, renal cysts, left anterior hemi-block, right bundle branch block, pulmonary artery hypertension, and heart failure. Neurological investigations revealed ptosis, quadriparesis, fasciculations, dysarthria, dysdiadochokinesia, tremor, hyperkinesia, ataxia, leukoencephalopathy, and basal ganglia calcification. Based upon this combination of abnormalities a non-syndromic mitochondrial multi-organ disorder syndrome (MIMODS, encephalo-myo-cardiomyopathy) was diagnosed.

Las alteraciones mitocondriales no sindrómicas y mutisistémicas pueden ser pasadas por alto si no se está consciente de su existencia. Presentamos un hombre de 85 años, referido por convulsiones tónico clónicas, que presentaba una plétora de anomalías tales como neurodermatitis, dermatitis atópica, diabetes, hipertensión, insuficiencia renal, colitis no específica, litiasis vesical, cataratas bilaterales, fibrilación auricular, diverticulosis, polineuropatía, deficiencia de vitamina D, quistes renales, hemibloqueo izquierdo anterior y bloqueo de rama derecha, hipertensión pulmonar e insuficiencia cardíaca. El estudio neurológico reveló la presencia de ptosis, cuadriparesia, fasciculaciones, disartria, disdiadocoquinesia, temblor, hiperquinesia, ataxia, leucoencefalopatía y calcificación de ganglios basales. Basados en estos hallazgos, se diagnosticó un síndrome mitocondrial no sindrómico con fallas de múltiples sistemas.

Hallazgo por neuroimaginología de microangiopatía cerebral retiniana con calcificaciones y quistes / Neuroimaging findings in cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts

La microangiopatía cerebral retiniana con calcificaciones y quistes es una enfermedad poco frecuente, caracterizada por alteraciones cerebrales, retinianas y óseas, así como por predisposición al sangrado gastrointestinal. Existen pocos reportes de casos de esta condición, especialmente en adultos, en quienes la incidencia es baja. Los hallazgos por medio de neuroimágenes son característicos, con calcificaciones bilaterales y múltiples formaciones quísticas. El propósito de este artículo fue hacer una revisión bibliográfica e ilustrar dos casos cuyo diagnóstico fue posible con la ayuda de neuroimágenes.

Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts is a rare condition characterized by brain, retinal and bone anomalies, as well as a predisposition to gastrointestinal bleeding. There are few reported cases of this condition in adults, among whom the incidence is low. Neuroimaging findings are characteristic, with bilateral calcifications, leukoencephalopathy and intracranial cysts. The purpose of this article was to do a literature survey and illustrate two cases diagnosed with the aid of neuroimaging.

Leucoencefalopatía megaencefálica con quistes subcorticales y la importancia de la resonancia magnética. A propósito de dos casos / Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cysts. Importance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Report of two cases

La leucoencefalopatía megaencefálica con quistes subcorticales (MLC) o enfermedad de Van der Knaap es un trastorno genético infrecuente. La mutación en el gen MLC1 se ha demostrado como la responsable de esta alteración. La disminución en la expresión de la proteína codificada causa vacuolización en los astrocitos y alteración de la homeostasis del agua y los electrolitos. Los casos presentados permiten ilustrar los hallazgos imaginológicos característicos de esta entidad, debido a que el diagnóstico se fundamenta en las imágenes en resonancia magnética (RM).

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) or Van der Knaap disease is a rare genetic disease. The MLC1 mutation genes participate in the pathogenesis. The decreased expression of the encoded protein in astrocytes causes vacuolation, impaired water, and electrolyte homeostasis. We report two cases and illustrate the typical imaging features. The diagnosis of this disease is based on magnetic resonance imaging findings (MRI).

White matter hyperintensities, executive function and global cognitive performance in vascular mild cognitive impairment / Hiper-intensidades de substancia branca, funcao executiva e desempenho cognitivo global no comprometimento cognitivo leve vascular

Vascular mild cognitive impairment (VaMCI) represents an early symptomatic stage of vascular cognitive impairment and might be associated to fronto-executive dysfunction. Methods Twenty-six individuals (age: 73.11±7.90 years; 65.4% female; schooling: 9.84±3.61 years) were selected through neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging. Clinical and neuroimaging data of VaMCI individuals (n=15) were compared to normal controls (NC, n=11) and correlated with Fazekas scale. Results VaMCI performed significantly worse than NC in Trail-Making Test (TMT) B, errors in TMT B, difference TMT B-A and Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) final scores. Correlations were found among scores in modified Fazekas scale and performances in TMT B (time to complete and errors), difference TMT B-A and CAMCOG total score. Conclusion Extension of white matter hyperintensities might be correlated to poorer global cognition and impairments in a set of fronto-executive functions, such as cognitive speed, set shifting and inhibitory control in VaMCI. .

Comprometimento cognitivo leve vascular (CCLV) representa um estágio sintomático precoce do comprometimento cognitivo vascular e associa-se à disfunção fronto-executiva. Métodos Vinte e seis indivíduos (idade: 73,11±7,90 anos; 65,4% mulheres; escolaridade: 9,84±3,61 anos) foram selecionados por meio de avaliação cognitiva e neuroimagem. Os dados clínicos e de neuroimagem do grupo CCLV (n=15) foram comparados com controles normais (CN; n=11) e correlacionados com a escala de Fazekas. Resultados CCLV apresentaram piores desempenhos que CN no Trail-Making Test (TMT) B, erros no TMT B, diferença TMT B-A e pontuação final do Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Verificaram-se correlações entre escala de Fazekas e desempenhos no TMT B (tempo total e erros), diferença TMT B-A e a pontuação final do CAMCOG. Conclusão A extensão das hiper-intensidades de substância branca, no grupo CCLV, correlacionou-se com pior desempenho cognitivo global e com comprometimento em um grupo de funções fronto-executivas, como velocidade e alternância cognitiva e controle inibitório. .

Adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy presenting as a psychiatric disorder - MRI findings / Adrenoleucoistrofia de início tardio simulando doença psiquiátrica: relato de caso e revisão do assunto

A 35-year-old, previously healthy man presented psychiatric symptoms lasting four years, receiving treatmentwith neuroleptics. One year later he evolved with gait disequilibrium. After a further six months, cognitive symptoms werecharacterized with rapid evolution to a profound demented state. MRI showed signal changes in cerebral white matter andvery long-chain fatty acids were detected in blood.

Homem de 35 anos, previamente saudável, iniciou há quatro anos sintomas psiquiátricos, recebendo tratamentocom neurolépticos. Um ano após evoluiu com alterações do equilíbrio. Há seis meses apresentou distúrbios cognitivos, piorando rapidamente a um estado de profunda demência. RM do encéfalo revelou intensa alteração de sinal na substânciabranca cerebral e foram detectados ácidos graxos de cadeia muito longa no sangue.