Deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internal improves symptoms of chorea-acanthocytosis

Neurol Sci. 2012 Apr;33(2):269-74. doi: 10.1007/s10072-011-0741-y. Epub 2011 Aug 24.

Abstract

Chorea-acanthocytosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. To date, treatment is only symptomatic and supportive. Results from the few reports of chorea-acanthocytosis patients treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) have been inconsistent. We present case reports for two patients with chorea-acanthocytosis who received DBS treatment and compare the outcomes with results from the literature. Both patients showed the typical clinical features of chorea-acanthocytosis with motor symptoms resistant to medical treatment. Chorea was significantly improved following low-frequency DBS treatment in both patients. However, dystonia was only mildly improved. Four chorea-acanthocytosis patients treated with DBS treatment have been reported in the literature. One patient had improvement with low-frequency DBS stimulation, while another two had improvement with higher-frequency DBS. One patient, however, did not improve with either low-frequency or high-frequency DBS. Bilateral DBS to the GPi can improve chorea and dystonia in some patients with intractable chorea-acanthocytosis. However, selection criteria for the most promising candidates must be defined, and the long-term benefits evaluated in clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biophysics
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Globus Pallidus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neuroacanthocytosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Neuroacanthocytosis / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18