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Published on: May 21, 2010
Cowden syndrome with Lhermitte- Duclos disease presenting as ataxia
K A Arun1, R Sreejith1, B Hitha1
1Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
Insights
Cowden syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, involves multiple hamartomas. This case highlights Lhermitte-Duclos disease in the cerebellum as a key indicator, suggesting a potential PTEN mutation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cowden syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis.
- Characterized by multiple hamartomatous lesions across ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal tissues.
- Associated with an increased risk of various malignancies.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with progressive gait difficulty.
- Past medical history included dural arteriovenous fistula and intracerebral bleed.
- Cerebellar lesion identified via MRI, diagnosed as adult Lhermitte-Duclos disease.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited florid mucocutaneous manifestations consistent with Cowden syndrome.
- Adult Lhermitte-Duclos disease is recognized as a component of Cowden syndrome.
- A family history of thyroid malignancy was noted.
- A predictive calculator indicated an 82% probability of a PTEN mutation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing Lhermitte-Duclos disease as a potential manifestation of Cowden syndrome.
- Highlights the diagnostic utility of clinical presentation and family history in identifying rare genetic disorders.
- Suggests the need for genetic testing for PTEN mutations in suspected cases for risk assessment and management.
Abstract:
Cowden syndrome or multiple hamartoma syndrome is a rare genodermatosis of autosomal dominant inheritance characterized by multiple hamartomatous lesions of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origin. A 45-year-old man presented to us with a history of dural arteriovenous fistula and intracerebral bleed in the past with gradually progressive difficulty in walking. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a heterogeneous lesion in the cerebellum which was diagnosed as adult Lhermitte-Duclos disease which is considered a component of Cowden syndrome. On examination we found florid skin and mucosal manifestations of Cowden syndrome. A family history of thyroid malignancy was also present. Using the Cleveland Clinic web calculator, the patient had an 82% chance of having a phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) mutation.
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