Camptocormia associated with focal myositis in multiple-system atrophy.
Camptocormia (CC) or pronounced forward flexion of the trunk is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. We describe 2 patients with probable, respectively possible multiple-system atrophy and CC. Magnetic resonance imaging of the erector trunci showed focal patchy hyperintensities with gadolinium enhancement and muscle biopsy was indicative of variably pronounced focal myositis. CC was progressive and the major handicap for both patients after 1 and 1.5 years of follow-up, respectively. The therapeutic response was poor. Similarities with the dropped-head syndrome suggest that the muscle pathology may be either the primary cause of CC, a focal reaction to the CC posture, or a coincident syndrome of old age.
Diederich
Nico J
NJ
Department of Neuroscience, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg. diederich.nico@chl.lu
Goebel
Hans H
HH
Dooms
Georges
G
Bumb
Anja
A
Huber
Frank
F
Kompoliti
Katie
K
Meinck
Hans-Michael M
HM
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D004576:Electromyography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006257:Head / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019578:Multiple System Atrophy / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009220:Myositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed