Right orbitofrontal tumor with pedophilia symptom and constructional apraxia sign

Arch Neurol. 2003 Mar;60(3):437-40. doi: 10.1001/archneur.60.3.437.

Abstract

Background: Orbitofrontal abnormalities are associated with poor impulse control, altered sexual behavior, and sociopathy.

Objective: To describe a patient with acquired pedophilia and a right orbitofrontal tumor who was unable to inhibit sexual urges despite preserved moral knowledge.

Design: Case report.

Results: The patient displayed impulsive sexual behavior with pedophilia, marked constructional apraxia, and agraphia. The behavioral symptoms and constructional deficits, including agraphia, resolved following tumor resection.

Conclusions: For patients with acquired sociopathy and paraphilia, an orbitofrontal localization requires consideration. This case further illustrates that constructional apraxia can arise from right prefrontal lobe dysfunction. Agraphia may represent a manifestation of constructional apraxia in the absence of aphasia and ideomotor apraxia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apraxias / etiology*
  • Apraxias / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / psychology
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pedophilia / etiology*
  • Pedophilia / pathology
  • Prefrontal Cortex / pathology*