Imaging of adult leukodystrophies

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2014 Aug;72(8):625-32. doi: 10.1590/0004-282x20140095.

Abstract

Leukodystrophies are genetically determined white matter disorders. Even though leukodystrophies essentially affect children in early infancy and childhood, these disorders may affect adults. In adults, leukodystrophies may present a distinct clinical and imaging presentation other than those found in childhood. Clinical awareness of late-onset leukodystrophies should be increased as new therapies emerge. MRI is a useful tool to evaluate white matter disorders and some characteristics findings can help the diagnosis of leukodystrophies. This review article briefly describes the imaging characteristics of the most common adult leukodystrophies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases / classification
  • Hereditary Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged