Schizophrenia-Like Psychosis and Dandy-Walker Variant Comorbidity: Case Report

Abstract

Dandy-Walker variant is a developmental malformation consisting of cerebellar hypoplasia and cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle. Previous research has proposed a possible role for the cerebellum in cognition and in schizophrenia. In this paper we report a schizophrenia-like psychotic disorder in a 30 year-old woman with Dandy-Walker variant. The patient was treated with risperidone 6 mg/day, biperiden 4 mg/day and risperidone depot 50 mg injections fortnightly, and most of the symptoms were ameliorated within 2 months. The similar cognitive profile to populations with cerebellar pathology and rarity of the condition strongly suggests that there may be direct relationship between cerebellar pathology and appearence of psychotic symptoms.

Psychosis and Dandy-Walker syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

“…2 Occasionally, psychotic symptoms and other psychiatric disorders have been reported to occur in patients with DWS. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] However, the prevalence and clinical features of this comorbidity have not been established yet, and the literature about the topic is scarce. This is not the only neurological condition that presents with psychiatric comorbidities: several brain alterations, both structural and pathophysiological, can result in psychiatric symptoms.…”

Undifferentiated psychosis or schizophrenia associated with vermis‐predominant cerebellar hypoplasia

“…We reviewed clinical and brain imaging data for 18 individuals from 15 reports (Bozkurt Zincir et al, 2014;Buonaguro et al, 2014;Dawra et al, 2017;Ferentinos et al, 2007;Gama, 2019 Turner et al, 2001;Williams et al, 2016). The developmental and psychiatric data were often detailed, describing undifferentiated (unlabeled) psychosis in eight, SCZ in six, and SCZ-like features in three individuals.…”

“…We performed a literature review using pairs of search terms with the first search term either “psychosis” or “schizophrenia,” and the second search term “cerebellar hypoplasia,” “Dandy–Walker malformation” or “Dandy–Walker variant.” Our search yielded 17 papers from 2007 to 2021 describing 20 individuals. Three papers were discarded due to inadequate or no brain imaging, leaving 17 reported individuals plus our proband (Bozkurt Zincir et al, 2014; Buonaguro et al, 2014; Dawra et al, 2017; Ferentinos et al, 2007; Gama, 2019; Gan et al, 2012; Kvitvik Aune & Bugge, 2014; Langarica & Peralta, 2005; Papazisis et al, 2007; Porras Segovia et al, 2021; Rohanachandra et al, 2016; Ryan et al, 2012; Trehout et al, 2019; Turner et al, 2001; Williams et al, 2016).…”

“…1 (l) in Ryan (Ryan et al, 2012), fig. 1 lower right (m) in Bozkurt Zincir (Bozkurt Zincir et al, 2014), fig. 1 (n) in Kvitvik Aune (Kvitvik Aune & Bugge, 2014), fig.…”

Delusions of control in a case of schizophrenia coexisting with a large cerebellar arachnoid cyst

“…In previous case reports [ 2 3 4 ], psychiatric symptoms have been associated with cerebellar arachnoid cyst, but the presentation of mental symptoms varied quite widely between cases, and included delusions of reference, persecution, and being controlled, auditory and visual hallucinations, inappropriate and labile affect, aggression, sleep disruption, and suicidal and homicidal thoughts. Neurological symptoms also varied widely, including balance problems, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and even seizures.…”