MRI diagnosis of infantile Alexander disease in a 14 month old African boy

J Radiol Case Rep. 2016 Oct 31;10(10):7-14. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v10i10.2943. eCollection 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Alexander disease, also known as fibrinoid leukodystrophy, is a rare leukoencephalopathy which occurs due to a mutation in the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) gene. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven to be highly sensitive in making the diagnosis. Typical MRI findings, in combination with positive genetic blood analysis, confirm the diagnosis.

Keywords: Alexander disease; Fibrinoid leukodystrophy; Frontal lobe predominance; Infantile; Van der Knaap MRI diagnostic criteria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alexander Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed