[Ataxia-opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome]

Abstract

The ataxia-opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome that was well individualized by Kinsbourne is mostly observed in young children (less than three years old in 90 percent of the cases). From six personal cases, and from a review of ninety cases of the literature, the clinical and etiological features, as well as the evolution of the syndrome, are studied. Prodromes (infectious and digestive manifestations) and comportmental changes usually precede the sudden onset of the clinical triad. Neurologic complementary investigations are typically normal during the acute phase. The frequent association (46 percent of the cases) of this syndrome to a neuroblastoma (usually thoracic) makes it very particular from the etiological point of view. The evolution is identical whatever the type ("isolated" or "tumoral"). Corticotherapy (ACTH or corticoids) is efficient in 60 percent of the cases. But recurrences and cerebral sequelae (mental deficiency and speech disorders) are frequent.