An unusual case of a toddler with Canavan disease with frequent intractable seizures: A case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Canavan disease is a rare fetal inherited leukodystrophy, caused by accumulation of N-acetyl-aspartate in the brain. Here, we report a child presented with frequent intractable seizures and visual impairment. A 14-month-old female infant with a complaint of the absence of neck holding and generalized tonic-clonic seizures was referred to our hospital. Macrocephaly, setting sun eyes, tremor, and hypotonia were observed. Funduscopy showed optic atrophy. Our patient's flash visual evoked potential showed blindness. Her brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse white matter in subcortical, basal ganglia, and dorsal pons. Electroencephalography showed diffuse slow and sharp waves. The genetic study detected a hemizygous mutation in the aspartoacylase gene. Our patient was diagnosed with Canavan disease and began anticonvulsant treatment. However, seizures were not under control. Then, her medications were discontinued, and clobazam and primidone were administered. In conclusion, starting clobazam and primidone may help prevent frequently intractable seizures in Canavan disease patients.

• Authors: Rana Irilouzadian, Ali Goudarzi, Hamed Hesami, Roham Sarmadian, Habibe Nejad Biglari, Abolfazl Gilani
• Journal: SAGE open medical case reports (SAGE Open Med Case Rep) Vol. 11 Pg. 2050313X231160885 ( 2023) ISSN: 2050-313X [Print] England
• PMID: 36968992 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: © The Author(s) 2023.