[Mills' syndrome: a rare clinical entity].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Motor Neuron Diseases

Context:

• Mills' syndrome is a rare, poorly understood motor neuron disease characterized by progressive hemiplegia.
• Its exact nosological status remains uncertain, with potential links to primary lateral sclerosis.
• Understanding Mills' syndrome is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.

Purpose:

• To retrospectively analyze clinical and paraclinical data of eight patients with suspected Mills' syndrome.
• To differentiate Mills' syndrome from other neurological disorders presenting with similar symptoms.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and the importance of comprehensive investigations.

Summary:

• Eight patients with suspected Mills' syndrome were evaluated.
• Clinical features included slowly progressive motor deficiency with unilateral or asymmetric pyramidal signs.
• Final diagnoses varied, with only three confirmed as Mills' syndrome, underscoring diagnostic complexity.
• Electrophysiology and MRI were key in differentiating diagnoses.

Impact:

• This study emphasizes the rarity and diagnostic complexity of Mills' syndrome.
• It underscores the necessity of thorough investigations, including advanced imaging and electrophysiology.
• Accurate diagnosis is vital for appropriate patient care and management of this rare motor neuron disease.