Right orbitofrontal tumor with pedophilia symptom and constructional apraxia sign

Abstract

Background: Orbitofrontal abnormalities are associated with poor impulse control, altered sexual behavior, and sociopathy.

Objective: To describe a patient with acquired pedophilia and a right orbitofrontal tumor who was unable to inhibit sexual urges despite preserved moral knowledge.

Design: Case report.

Results: The patient displayed impulsive sexual behavior with pedophilia, marked constructional apraxia, and agraphia. The behavioral symptoms and constructional deficits, including agraphia, resolved following tumor resection.

Conclusions: For patients with acquired sociopathy and paraphilia, an orbitofrontal localization requires consideration. This case further illustrates that constructional apraxia can arise from right prefrontal lobe dysfunction. Agraphia may represent a manifestation of constructional apraxia in the absence of aphasia and ideomotor apraxia.