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Ataxia-telangiectasia: MR and CT findings
L Farina1, C Uggetti, A Ottolini
1Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Clinica Neurologica Fondazione C. Mondino, Pavia, Italy.
Objective:
The aim of our study was to describe the neuroradiologic features of 12 patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a degenerative multisystemic autosomal recessive hereditary disorder with onset in childhood. Clinical features include cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasias, and recurrent bronchopulmonary infections. Patients present varying states of immunodeficiency and a high incidence of neoplasms. Chromosomal instability with a rearrangement of chromosomes 7 and 14 is always present.
Materials And Methods:
We describe the neuroradiological findings (10 MR and 2 CT) in 12 subjects: 11 with A-T and 1 heterozygote parent.
Results:
The images revealed a diffuse cerebellar atrophy, with marked involvement of the vermis and unusual decreased thickness of the superior cortex of the cerebellar hemispheres. Hypoplasia of the inferior vermis and a large cisterna magna were also frequent signs.
Conclusion:
Magnetic resonance is the technique of choice in this type of disorder since it permits better visualization of the posterior fossa structures.