Stereotactic pallidotomy in a child with Hallervorden-Spatz disease. Case report

The authors present a case of Hallervorden-Spatz disease (HSD) in a 10-year-old boy treated with stereotactic pallidotomy for control of severe dystonia. Hallervorden-Spatz disease is a rare type of neuraxonal dystrophy that can be familial or sporadic. This is the first case of HSD reported in the literature in which a pallidotomy was performed. The patient had progressively worsening dystonias and spasms that prevented useful function of his entire right side and eventually threatened his respiratory ability. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance images are presented along with electrophysiological recordings made in the globus pallidus at the time of surgery. Functional improvement in the use of the patient's limbs and relief from the painful dystonia were observed. Stereotactic pallidotomy should be considered as a potential treatment in the management of HSD.