Pigmentary degeneration of the retina in the Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome

Am J Ophthalmol. 1979 Sep;88(3 Pt 1):467-71. doi: 10.1016/0002-9394(79)90648-2.

Abstract

Dizygotic twins developed a progressive neurologic disorder at age 6 months. When examined at age 7 1/2 years each had spastic quadriparesis and dystonia. Neither had ever spoken a complete sentence. The fundi showed bone spicule formation, a conspicuous choroidal circulation, and a striking accumulation of yellowish-white globular masses of varying sizes and shapes. Because our patients developed both the pigmentary degeneration and clinical signs of Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome at a much younger age than patients without retinopathy, we believe this case demonstrated a distinct nosologic entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Basal Ganglia Diseases / genetics*
  • Child
  • Diseases in Twins*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration / genetics*
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retinal Degeneration / genetics*
  • Twins, Dizygotic