[The Sotos syndrome. Clinical and neuropsychiatric considerations in 1 case]

A case of Sotos' syndrome or cerebral gigantism is described. The main clinical features of this syndrome are macrocrania, accelerated skeleton maturation and somatic development, cranio-facial dysmorfism, psychomotor retardation in 80% of the cases. Less frequently other skeleton abnormalities associated with neurological and/or endocrinological disorders are reported. In our patient the typical features of the syndrome are accompanied by several neurological signs (mental retardtion, strabism, hypothonia, motor impairment, seizures, CT scan abnormalities) and ophtalmological changes as optic disk pallor. The above mentioned range of symptoms should be considered as a direct consequence of the primary defect which characterizes the Sotos' syndrome. In our case the cerebral nervous system seems to be more specifically involved. Besides, important behavioural difficulties have emerged with regard to the double relation mother-daughter and in the familiar environment as well. For this reason we emphasize the necessity of evaluating and clearing up all problems which often arise in connection with various pathological conditions in childhood. This should be done in order to grant the families an appropriate support.