Autonomic Dysfunction in the Setting of CADASIL Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common monogenic inherited cause of stroke.
• Cardiac involvement in CADASIL is under-researched, lacking established screening guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential for cardiac complications in CADASIL syndrome.
• To advocate for cardiac surveillance in patients diagnosed with CADASIL.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient over 50 with confirmed CADASIL.
• Detailed the patient's history of stroke/TIA and a bradycardic episode.
• Reviewed existing literature on cardiac manifestations in CADASIL.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with strokelike symptoms and experienced a bradycardic event.
• Limited literature exists on cardiac issues in CADASIL patients.
• No definitive cardiac surveillance protocols are established for CADASIL.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac surveillance may be warranted for individuals with CADASIL syndrome.
• Early detection of cardiac involvement could improve patient outcomes.
• Further research is needed to define screening protocols for CADASIL-related cardiac conditions.