Phospholipase A2-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) comprises of three disorders with overlapping presentations. The most common of these is classical or infantile-onset phospholipase A2-associated neurodegeneration, also known as infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD). Only 1 case of INAD has been reported from India till now. We report two genetically confirmed patients seen at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Both these patients presented with infantile onset of neuroregression. We believe that INAD is underrecognized and underreported from India.
Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a rare hamartomatous congenital malformation of the brain. The epilepsy pattern in HME can be partial seizures or may present as spasms as in epileptic encephalopathy. Epilepsy associated with HME is usually resistant to antiepileptic drugs and requires surgical intervention. Hemispheric disconnection has been reported to be efficient in seizure control and prevents further cognitive injury and developmental delay. We report a case of HME, who underwent a two-stage hemispherotomy due to complications in the first surgery. She had more than 90% reduction of seizures with good developmental outcome on follow-up. Thus, despite risks of the procedure, early surgery should be preferred in infants with HME.
The syndrome of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a common medical emergency in children. In the era of poliomyelitis eradication, the common causes of AFP include Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), transverse myelitis and traumatic neuritis. However, many common diseases can uncommonly present as AFP and some uncommon diseases may also masquerade like it. Uncommon causes of AFP seen at a tertiary care pediatric hospital are discussed along with relevant points in diagnosis and management. Also, common pitfalls in diagnosis of pediatric AFP and an approach to investigations are discussed.
CK syndrome is a rare disorder caused by mutation in the NSDHL (NAD(P) dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like) gene at the Xq28 locus. It has expanded the spectrum of disorders associated with X-linked mental retardation and defects in sterol metabolism. There are only a few reports defining the phenotypic spectrum of this rare disorder. We describe a new patient from the Indian subcontinent who presented with dysmorphism, global developmental delay and epilepsy. We also add left ventricular concentric hypertrophy and sensory neuropathy, which have not been reported previously. Our report suggests that CK syndrome may be unrecognized due to limited clinical knowledge and restricted availability of genetic testing. The expansion of the phenotype may also lead to a better understanding of biochemical anomalies and management approaches.
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