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[A case of multiple cavernous angioma with dementia]
S Kariya1, M Kawahara, A Suzumura
1Department of Neurology, Takanohara Central Hospital.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|April 12, 2001
Summary
A 65-year-old man developed dementia due to multiple cavernous angiomas, causing white matter degeneration. This case highlights a rare presentation of dementia without typical symptoms like seizures.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Dementia can arise from various neurological conditions.
- Multiple cavernous angiomas are rare vascular malformations in the brain.
- White matter dementia presents with specific cognitive deficits.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old man presented with dementia symptoms starting at age 50, including indifference and attentional deficits.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed over 130 tiny lesions consistent with multiple cavernous angiomas throughout the central nervous system.
- The patient lacked typical symptoms such as headaches or seizures associated with cavernous angiomas.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with white matter dementia, characterized by impaired attention, reduced volition, and mild memory disturbance.
- Despite the numerous lesions suggesting a familial link, the case was deemed sporadic after lineage and family imaging.
- Cranial CT scans showed most lesions as high-density areas.
Implications:
- This case suggests that cumulative micro-hemorrhages from multiple cavernous angiomas can lead to symptomatic dementia, particularly affecting frontal lobe white matter.
- It expands the known clinical spectrum of cavernous angiomas, including presentations without seizures or headaches.
- Further research into the relationship between cavernous angiomas and white matter dementia is warranted.