Importance of an echocardiogram in the evaluation of ataxia

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Jul 27;15(7):e248691. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-248691.

Abstract

We present the case of a boy in his middle childhood with gait ataxia and loss of reflexes with a 1-year onset. He had a background of an autism spectrum disorder but was otherwise healthy. A paediatric cardiology assessment was requested to investigate possible cardiac involvement associated to his neurological symptoms. Even though he had no cardiac symptoms and a normal electrocardiography, the echocardiogram revealed severe asymmetric left ventricle hypertrophy consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This prompted genetic testing and the diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia was confirmed.

Keywords: Cardiovascular medicine; Clinical diagnostic tests; Neuro genetics; Paediatrics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ataxia
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Echocardiography
  • Friedreich Ataxia* / complications
  • Friedreich Ataxia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular / diagnostic imaging
  • Male