CADASIL presenting as schizophreniform organic psychosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare genetic disorder affecting small blood vessels in the brain.
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in CADASIL, but frank psychosis is an infrequent manifestation.

Observation:

• A case report detailing an Asian female patient with CADASIL who presented with schizophreniform organic psychosis.
• The patient exhibited persistent distractibility and cognitive impairment following the resolution of psychotic symptoms.

Findings:

• This case underscores the diverse and sometimes unusual neuropsychiatric presentations of CADASIL.
• Psychotic symptoms, though rare, can be a significant feature of CADASIL, necessitating careful clinical recognition.

Implications:

• Early recognition and diagnosis of CADASIL are crucial for timely management and intervention.
• Understanding the spectrum of CADASIL manifestations, including psychosis, can improve patient care and outcomes.