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Neurological Sciences
Published in: Neurological Sciences 4/2012

01-08-2012 | Case Report

Sporadic diffuse leucoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids: report of a profuse and rapid cortical–spinal degeneration

Authors: A. Maues De Paula, B. Michel, D. W. Dickson, Z. K. Wszolek, J. F. Pellissier

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 4/2012

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Abstract

Diffuse leucoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids (DLS) is a rare disease affecting the white matter leading to dementia and progressive motor impairment. The neuropathological hallmark includes axonal swelling and spheroids as well as myelin loss. We report a case of a 46-year-old man with memory deficit and behavioral changes followed by a rapid cognitive decline and pyramidal syndrome. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed cortical atrophy of the brain and symmetric corticospinal tract involvement. He died 4 years after the first symptoms. Autopsy was performed and the brain revealed cortical and corpus callosum atrophy, a grayish granular appearance of the white matter and ventricular enlargement. Myelin stains showed a significant demyelination of the centrum ovale and corticospinal tract. Such degeneration was accompanied by axonal loss, axonal swelling, and numerous spheroids. There was no pigment overload or inflammation. We discuss this new DLS case with bilateral, severe, and rapid cortical–spinal involvement.
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Metadata
Title
Sporadic diffuse leucoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids: report of a profuse and rapid cortical–spinal degeneration
Authors
A. Maues De Paula
B. Michel
D. W. Dickson
Z. K. Wszolek
J. F. Pellissier
Publication date
01-08-2012
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0817-8

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