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Hydrocephalus, mineralizing angiopathy, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipoprotein (a)

A Y Manzur1, K J Poskitt, M G Norman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Pediatric Neurology
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

A boy with normal development experienced acute hydrocephalus and epilepsy. Investigations revealed extremely high lipoprotein(a) levels, familial hypercholesterolemia, and mineralizing angiopathy, explaining his neurological issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • This case study examines a pediatric patient with a history of premature birth (34 weeks gestation).
  • Initial development was normal until 22 months of age.

Observation:

  • The patient presented with acute hydrocephalus at 22 months, followed by developmental delay and epilepsy.
  • Clinical investigations revealed significant neurological complications.

Findings:

  • Extremely elevated lipoprotein(a) levels and familial hypercholesterolemia were identified.
  • Cerebral and meningeal lesions were observed, alongside evidence of mineralizing angiopathy on radiologic studies.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential link between severe hyperlipoproteinemia(a) and pediatric cerebrovascular disease.
  • Early identification and management of lipid disorders may be crucial in preventing neurological sequelae in children.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis of mineralizing angiopathy in this context.

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