[Andermann syndrome: presentation of a case]

Peripheral neuropathy with agenesis of the corpus callosum (or Andermann's syndrome) is a hereditary autosomal recessive disorder rarely found outside certain regions of Quebec Province (Canada). It is associated with mental retardation and various dysmorphic changes. Deterioration is usually progressive with loss of motor skills, development of scoliosis during adolescence, tendency to behaviour disorders and death during the third decade (approximately).

We present a 13 year old girl diagnosed as having the spastic tetraparesic type of PCI, who was sent to us so that we could reconsider the diagnosis in view of the atypical course of the illness. The patient had an unusual phenotype with dysmorphic changes (mainly facial), axial hypotonia with flexion-retraction of the hands, generalized arreflexia, neurogenic bladder, skin changes with ulcers on the legs and mental retardation. Neurophysiological studies showed a predominantly motor polyneuropathy. There were signs of axonal neuropathy on both sural nerve and skeletal muscle biopsies. The clinical features, phenotype, microcephaly with agenesis of the corpus callosum and a posterior fossa cyst, associated with spinal atrophy indicated the diagnosis of Andermann's syndrome.

This case is of interest in view of the exceptional rarity of Andermann's syndrome in our population.