[Posterior cortical atrophy. Report of five cases]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare neurodegenerative syndrome.
• It is frequently associated with underlying Alzheimer's disease pathology.
• PCA presents with distinct initial symptoms affecting visual functions.

Observation:

• The study details five patients (2 males, 3 females; ages 50-56) diagnosed with PCA.
• Ophthalmologic examinations were normal across all participants.
• Clinical manifestations included Balint's and Gerstmann's syndromes, visual agnosia, alexia, and cortical blindness in one case.

Findings:

• Patients exhibited progressive visuospatial and visuo perceptive impairments.
• Structural imaging was inconclusive, but functional imaging (PET, SPECT) revealed occipitotemporal or occipitoparietal deficits.
• These findings highlight functional brain alterations in posterior brain regions.

Implications:

• Early identification of PCA is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Functional neuroimaging plays a key role in diagnosing PCA when structural imaging is inconclusive.
• Understanding PCA's unique presentation aids in differentiating it from other dementia syndromes.