Persistent neurological deficits in a patient with hemiplegic migraine revealing diffuse astrocytoma

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2019

Publication Title

Neurology

Abstract

Objective: To emphasize consideration of alternative etiologies in patients with hemiplegic migraine presenting with persistent neurologic deficits. Background: To date, the CACNA1A gene has been associated with hemiplegic migraine, episodic ataxia type 2, spinocerebellar ataxia, idiopathic generalized epilepsy, benign paroxysmal torticollis and multiple psychiatric disorders. More recently, the CACANA1A gene has been found to play a role in ovarian and bladder cancer. We report the persistence of hemiplegia in a patient with significant family history and genetically proven CACNA1A mutation, leading to the diagnosis of symptomatic diffuse astrocytoma. Design/Methods: A 21-year-old female with a family history of spinocerebellar and episodic ataxia, and a personal history of hemiplegic migraine and episodic ataxia type 2 (genetic testing: CACNA1A gene mutation, pG127V) presented with an increase in the severity and frequency of her attacks. She described episodes of generalized weakness, blurry vision, vertigo, nausea with vomiting, now occurring 2-3 times a week lasting several hours without return to baseline. Her physical therapist noted gait impairment that progressively worsened. In-office neurological examination revealed mild weakness in the right upper and lower extremity prompting the concern to pursue additional work-up. Results: MRI revealed a 19.5 mm × 16.7 mm heterogenous hyperintense T2/FLAIR lesion at the left cingulate gyrus with nodular enhancement. Due to the concern for malignancy, patient underwent left posterior cingulate gyrus stereotactic biopsy with laser interstitial therapy, which confirmed WHO grade II glioma - diffuse astrocytoma. Repeat MRI brains have yielded no further growth. She is being monitored with surveillance imaging. Conclusions: The phenotypic spectrum of the CACANA1A gene shows significant clinical variability but persistent interictal neurological deficits episodes should raise suspicion for alternative pathology. Similarly, the role of the CACNA1A gene in neuro-oncological pathology should be further explored.

Volume

92

Issue

15

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