Giant axonal neuropathy: correlation of clinical findings with postmortem neuropathology

Ann Neurol. 1987 Jul;22(1):79-84. doi: 10.1002/ana.410220118.

Abstract

We report the clinical and postmortem neuropathological findings in a case of long-standing giant axonal neuropathy. The patient, a caucasian male with kinky hair, was first seen at 4 years of age because of increasing unsteadiness of gait. Clinical examination showed nystagmus, cerebellar ataxia, distal sensory loss, and weakness. A sural nerve biopsy at 8 years of age revealed giant axonal neuropathy. The patient became increasingly demented and was incapacitated by weakness and ataxia; he died at 18 years of age. Histological examination of the brain and spinal cord showed numerous Rosenthal fibers, a distal axonopathy that most severely affected the corticospinal tracts, middle cerebellar peduncles, and posterior columns, and olivocerebellar degeneration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Astrocytes / pathology
  • Axons / pathology*
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nervous System Diseases / metabolism
  • Nervous System Diseases / pathology*

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein