[Probable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. An unusual case. Review of the literature]

A case of neurological disease in a 11 year-old boy is described. The disease began early in life and had recently progressed to paraplegia with pyramidal tract dysfunction, generalized muscle atrophy and numerous fasciculations. The association of pyramidal tract and peripheral dysfunction led to the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, despite some unusual features. A review of literature data concerning the juvenile and infantile types of the disease is presented, emphasizing the heterogeneity of the disease.