[Progressive subcortical gliosis]

A case of autoptically verified progressive subcortical gliosis (PSG) is reported. The 79 year old woman developed subacutely a right sided hemisyndrome and a cerebellar syndrome. Generalized action myoclonus of the left leg evolved into left sided Epilepsia partialis continua and dementia appeared. After a 6 month course the patient died of aspiration pneumonia. There was no indication of alcoholism or HIV-dementia neither clinically nor at autopsy. Morphologically the brain showed a diffuse proliferation of astrocytes in the subcortical white matter, thalamus, basal ganglia, brain stem and cerebellum. A severe neuronal dropout was found in medial thalamic neurons but Wernickes encephalopathy was ruled out. 21 cases of PSG confirmed by autopsy were found in the literature. Clinics, neuropathology and classification of PSG is discussed.