[Camptocormia--segmental dystonia. Proposal of a new definition for an old disease].
Camptocormia is defined as a forced posture with a forward-bent trunk which appears during standing and sitting. It was first described in 1818 by Brodie. In the last 100 years, numerous cases were observed. A psychogenic origin was presumed in most cases. We describe four patients with typical symptoms of camptocormia who present with the clinical and electromyographical criteria of a segmental dystonia. A new classification of camptocormia is proposed including (1) the primary form, a segmental dystonia of the abdominal wall muscles and (2) secondary forms. Among other conditions (psychogenic disorder, neurosis, myopathy, myositis, Parkinson's disease, multiple-system atrophy, thoracolumbar kyphosis, paraneoplastic syndrome), camptocormia is to be considered in essential tremor. A combination of dystonia of the abdominal wall muscles and essential tremor seems possible.
Reichel
G
G
Paracelsus-Klinik, Werdauer Strasse 68, 08060 Zwickau. Prof.Reichel@t-online.de
Kirchhöfer
U
U
Stenner
A
A
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D020821:Dystonic Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A