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Two unusual cases of anhidrosis
M S Lee1, M B Duncan, J H Keeling
1Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234-6200.
Cutis
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Neurologic disorders can cause anhidrosis (inability to sweat). This study presents two cases, one with unilateral anhidrosis due to brain infarcts and another with congenital Horner's syndrome, highlighting rare neurologic causes of sweating abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Anhidrosis, the inability to sweat, can result from various central or peripheral nervous system disorders.
- Brain abnormalities such as tumors, infarcts, injuries, or hemorrhages are known causes of anhidrosis.
Observation:
- This report details two patients presenting with anhidrosis attributed to distinct neurologic conditions.
- The first patient exhibited acquired complete left unilateral anhidrosis without ipsilateral Horner's syndrome, linked to multiple cerebral and spinal infarcts.
- The second patient presented with congenital Horner's syndrome, a rare condition characterized by iris hypochromia.
Findings:
- Neurologic deficits, including infarcts visualized via advanced imaging (CT, MRI), can lead to localized anhidrosis.
- Congenital Horner's syndrome, distinguished by iris hypochromia, represents a rare but identifiable cause of anhidrosis.
Implications:
- These cases underscore the importance of considering uncommon neurologic etiologies in patients with anhidrosis.
- Recognizing the specific clinical features, such as iris hypochromia in congenital Horner's syndrome, aids in accurate diagnosis.
- Practitioners should be aware of these less common neurologic causes to ensure comprehensive patient evaluation and management.