1/2. Psychiatric symptoms in alpha-mannosidosis.alpha-mannosidosis is characterized by mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID), moderate to severe neurosensory hearing loss, frequent infections, psychomotor disturbances and skeletal dysmorphism. For the first time, a panel of nine alpha-mannosidosis patients with psychiatric symptoms is presented. The clinical picture has several similarities: a physical or psychological stressor precedes a rapid development of a state of confusion, delusions, hallucinations, anxiety and often depression leading to a severe loss of function. This usually lasts 3-12 weeks, and is followed by a period of somnolence and asthenia. It may be more prevalent in females. In four of the described patients search for organic causes of the syndrome was performed, but revealed only negative findings. Because of the limited number of cases no firm conclusion about the benefit of various psychotropic drugs can be drawn from our observation. Psychiatric symptoms could affect as many as 25% of patients with alpha-mannosidosis. First onset is typically in late puberty to early adolescence. The episodes may be recurrent, and of limited duration although medication may be necessary to alleviate symptoms. Our observations indicate that alpha-mannosidosis is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric symptoms. These should not be dismissed as part of the ID but should give rise to the initiation of adequate diagnostic work-up, treatment and support.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Multiple suture synostosis, macrocephaly, and intracranial hypertension in a child with alpha-D-mannosidase deficiency. Case report.The authors present an unusual case in which increased intracranial pressure developed because of multiple-suture craniosynostosis and megaloencephaly in a child with a previously undiagnosed lysosomal storage disease, alpha-D-mannosidase deficiency. This 3-year-old boy presented with a history of frequent naps, headaches, florid papilledema, enlarged head (> 95th percentile), elevated opening pressure by lumbar puncture, a "beaten copper" appearance on skull radiographs, and no hydrocephalus. Multiple synostectomies were performed. Postoperatively, the child's headaches and papilledema resolved and his level of physical activity increased dramatically. The authors discuss the paradoxical presentation of prematurely fused sutures and macrocrania in light of this lysosomal storage disease and its subsequent management.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |