Infantile Alexander Disease: Case Report and Review of Literature

Soumyabrata Sarkar1, Rupam Sinha2, Amitabha Chakraborty3

  • 1Reader, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Haldia Institute of Dental sciences and Research, Haldia, West Bengal, India.

Insights

Alexander Disease (AD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting infants and children, characterized by progressive neurological decline. This case highlights typical clinical and imaging findings in infantile AD, aiding diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Alexander Disease (AD) is an autosomal dominant leukodystrophy affecting infants and children.
  • The infantile form is the most common subtype, often leading to death within ten years.
  • Diagnosis is typically established through clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Observation:

  • This report details a specific case of Infantile Alexander Disease.
  • The patient exhibited characteristic progressive psychomotor deficiency and loss of developmental milestones.
  • Pyramidal signs and seizures were also noted clinical features.

Findings:

  • The case presented with hallmark clinical manifestations of Infantile AD.
  • Radiological findings on MRI were consistent with the diagnosis of Alexander Disease.
  • Characteristic features aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of this leukodystrophy.

Implications:

  • Understanding these features is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of Alexander Disease.
  • This case contributes to the clinical knowledge base of infantile leukodystrophies.
  • Early diagnosis can potentially inform genetic counseling and future therapeutic strategies.