Adult-onset Alexander's disease mimicking degenerative disease

Pract Neurol. 2015 Oct;15(5):393-5. doi: 10.1136/practneurol-2015-001144. Epub 2015 May 28.

Abstract

Adult-onset Alexander's disease is a rare leukodystrophy that can present later in life in a variety of ways, often mimicking more common neurodegenerative conditions. We present two cases with novel mutations, diagnosed from their characteristic MR scan findings. Even in much older people, clinicians should have a high clinical suspicion if there are typical imaging findings.

Keywords: GENETICS; MRI.

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alexander Disease / diagnosis*
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology*