Lafora Body Epilepsy: A Challenging Diagnosis

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2022 Aug;32(8):S133-S135. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2022.Supp2.S133.

Abstract

Lafora body disease (LBD) is a progressive myoclonic genetic epilepsy syndrome characterized by the presence of Lafora inclusion bodies within neurons and other cells. It is a complex neurodegenerative disease presenting in adolescence with seizures, myoclonus, and rapid cognitive decline. Diagnosis is often challenging requiring a thorough history including family history, identification of Lafora bodies in apocrine sweat glands of axillary skin, and specific DNA sequencing. There is no cure and management is mainly supportive. We present one of the only few cases from Pakistan of LBD based on characteristic biopsy findings, history of similar ailment in siblings, and EPM2B mutation. This case emphasizes the need for physicians and neurologists to be aware of diagnostic challenges associated with LBD and its characteristic findings. Key Words: Lafora body, Progressive epilepsy, Myoclonus, Axillary skin biopsy, EPM2B.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies / pathology
  • Lafora Disease* / diagnosis
  • Lafora Disease* / genetics
  • Lafora Disease* / pathology
  • Myoclonic Epilepsies, Progressive* / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / pathology

Supplementary concepts

  • Epilepsy, Progressive Myoclonic 2B