Alexia without agraphia: a century later

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Clinical Neuroimaging

Background:

• Alexia without agraphia is a classic disconnection syndrome.
• First described by Dejerine in 1892.
• It represents a rare neurological condition.

Observation:

• This report details a specific case of alexia without agraphia.
• The patient presented with the characteristic symptoms of the syndrome.
• Standard brain imaging (computerized axial tomography) was normal.

Findings:

• Advances in neuroimaging, specifically FLAIR MRI, allow for in vivo localization of the lesion.
• This technique is crucial for identifying the syndrome's origin when conventional scans are unremarkable.
• The findings highlight the utility of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare neurological disorders.

Implications:

• FLAIR MRI provides critical insights into the anatomical basis of alexia without agraphia.
• This case underscores the importance of advanced neuroimaging in diagnosing complex neurological deficits.
• Understanding the localization of such syndromes aids in patient management and research.