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Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2021; 19(05): 352-354
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721131
Case Report

Hydrocephalus in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Jeetendra P. Sah 
1   Department of Pediatric Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
,
Aaron W. Abrams
1   Department of Pediatric Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
,
Geetha Chari
1   Department of Pediatric Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
,
Craig Linden
2   Department of Radiology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
,
Yaacov Anziska
3   Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, United States
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Abstract

In this article, we reported a case of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I noted to have tetraventricular hydrocephalus with Blake's pouch cyst at 8 months of age following intrathecal nusinersen therapy. The association of hydrocephalus with SMA is rarely reported in the literature. Development of hydrocephalus after intrathecal nusinersen therapy is also reported in some cases, but a cause–effect relationship is not yet established. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of a patient with SMA type I and hydrocephalus, to review similar cases reported in the literature, and to explore the relationship between nusinersen therapy and development of hydrocephalus. The clinical presentation and radiographic findings of the patient are described and a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. The adverse effect of communicating hydrocephalus related to nusinersen therapy is being reported and the authors suggest carefully monitoring for features of hydrocephalus developing during the course of nusinersen therapy.

Keywords

spinal muscular atrophy - hydrocephalus - nusinersen - Blake's pouch cyst

Authors' Contributions

J.P.S. designed and conceptualized study, reviewed and drafted the manuscript for intellectual content. A.W.A. contributed to design of the study, and revised the manuscript for intellectual content. G.C. contributed to conception and designing, and revised the manuscript for intellectual content. C.L. contributed to design, and revised the manuscript for intellectual content. Y.A. contributed in conceptualization and designing, and also revised the manuscript for intellectual content.




Publication History

Received: 06 September 2020

Accepted: 19 October 2020

Article published online:
19 November 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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