R.H.I.S.A. -- cysternography study in sporadic choreo-athetotic syndrome accompanied with dementia (sporadic Huntington disease)

Abstract

Seven patients who suffered from choreo-athetotic movements, accompanied by slowly progressive mental and affective decline over several years, without hereditary background, were admitted for clinical and psychodiagnostic tests. Laboratory examinations and anamnestic data were negative, and therefore a presumed diagnosis of sporadic Huntington disease was made. In order to verify the diagnosis, we had done P.E.G. -- Contrast study, and R.H.I.S.A. -- Cysternography. The P.E.G. -- Contrast demonstrated an enlargement of the sub-arachnoidal space and a symmetrical enlargement of the ventricular System, that may represent cortical and sub-cortical atrophy. The R.H.I.S.A. -- Cysternography Study showed in our patients the characteristics of the Mixed type Pattern: combined ventricular penetration with delayed para-sagittal absorption. Considering the results of the R.H.I.S.A. Studies, that correspond to the P.E.G. -- Contrast Studies, and its invulnerability towards patients, we presume that R.H.I.S.A. may be preferred as a diagnostic tool in Sporadic Huntington Disease.