White matter hyperintensities in myotonic dystrophy type 2: Not always another expression of the disease

Abstract

Myotonic dystrophy type 2(DM2), inherited in an autosomal, dominant manner, is clinically characterized by muscle weakness, variable myotonia, cataract and multiorgan involvement, including the Central Nervous System. Recent data from literature indicate a possible autoimmune susceptibility of patients with DM2, while white matter abnormalities are a common feature of the disease. We report herein the case of a 38-year old woman, with the rare co-existence of DM2 and MS and argue about the challenging differential diagnosis if CNS involvement is present in DM2 patients. Thus, is it another expression of a multisystem disorder or an unfortunate pure coincidence?