Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome complicated with stroke: A report of 2 cases and literature review

Abstract

Background: Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a ultrarare, fatal autosomal dominant disorder. The pathogenesis of the disease is a mutation in LMNA, which leads to the accumulation of progerin in cells, impairing the normal physiological functions. Stroke and transient ischemic attack seriously affect the survival rate and quality of life of HGPS children, although the literature of this aspect is limited. This study summarizes the clinical manifestations and related imaging features of HGPS children with stroke to improve pediatric clinicians' understanding of this disease.

Case presentation: Both children have a de novo heterozygous mutation of LMNA [c.1824C > T ( p.G608G)]. Case 1. At the age of 4 years, the child had a cerebral infarction, which manifested as blurred vision and communication disturbance. Multiple abnormal signals were observed on the head MRI in the bilateral frontoparietal cortex, bilateral semiovale center, lateral ventricle, and deep frontal and parietal lobes. Multiple abnormal white matter signals on head MRA: bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis with basilar artery, and bilateral thickening of the posterior communicating artery. Case 2. At the age of 8.5 years, the child presented with cerebral infarction, which manifested as decreased muscle strength and choking after drinking water. MRI of the head showed that the bilateral frontal lobes were small with multiple abnormal signal shadows in the bilateral center of the semiovale and the lateral ventricle. Brain MRA revealed that the bilateral internal carotid arteries (C5-7) were narrow and uneven in thickness, and the A1 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery was narrower than the contralateral one. After symptomatic and supportive treatment, the two children improved.

Conclusion: Hemiplegia and physical weakness are the most prevalent stroke symptoms in children with HGPS, followed by headache, epilepsy, dysarthria, and psychosis as the primary manifestation in some children. Stroke in children with HGPS is mostly ischemic cerebral infarction caused by an insufficient cerebral blood supply. Pediatric cerebral infarction mainly occurs in the large vascular area, involving all vascular areas, with the internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery being the most commonly accumulated.

Keywords: HGPS; LMNA; clinical manifestations; imaging features; stroke.