Open AccessNeurodegeneration with cerebral iron accumulation: a case report
Author(s) -
Monalisa Moura Saito,
Dhyego Ferreira Moreira de Lacerda,
Ana Claudia Marque Gouveia de Melo,
Lucas Monteiro Barros Nunes,
Luana Cristina Rodrigues de Oliveira Costa,
Eduarda Silvestre Ribeiro da Costa Gomes
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
DOI - 10.5327/1516-3180.145
Subject(s) - levodopa , dysarthria , dystonia , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , movement disorders , pediatrics , disease , parkinson's disease , audiology , psychiatry
NBIA is a rare disease, with a prevalence of 1/1,000,000.It is characterized by abnormal iron accumulation. Clinical findings may include progressive extrapyramidal disorders, involvement of the pyramidal, peripheral, autonomic nervous systems, superior cortical, visual and cerebellar functions. The diagnosis is made through the association of clinical findings and complementary exams. Currently, the treatment is only symptomatic, with no specific therapy. Case report: 5-year-old female, reporting involuntary movements and difficulty walking a day ago. Presented agitation and delayed neuropsychomotor development, seen since 1 year of age. On examination, dysarthria, dystonia and parkinsonian stiffness were observed. MRI of the brain showed the radiological signal “tiger’s eye” and the ophthalmological evaluation showed retinal dystrophy. Positive acanthocyte screening. NBIA’s NGS panel confirmed the diagnosis. Triexfenid was started and there was an improvement in movement disorders. In outpatient follow-up, the symptoms worsened. Levodopa was associated with the return of walking without support and ability to pick up objects. Discussion: In this case, Triexafenid 2mg/day was initially prescribed, with a slight improvement in movement disorders. Levodopa was started with the aim of improving symptoms of parkinsonian stiffness. The excellent response to the association of the drug in low doses stands out, enabling ambulation and functionality for daily activities. Conclusion: NBIA is a rare disease, with rapid onset and progression. Studies show limited benefits of levodopa in the case of PKAN. We emphasize significant clinical improvement, with a return to walking after administration of the drug.