title: Vertical ophthalmoplegia due to a unilateral periaqueductal gray matter infarct in an adolescent.
abstract: Brainstem strokes affecting the periaqueductal gray matter of the midbrain can cause vertical ophthalmoplegia. Accompanying clinical features are frequently associated and reflect the involvement of other brainstem structures. We report on an adolescent presenting with vertical gaze palsy and left mydriatic pupil as the only clinical expression of a small infarct located in the left periaqueductal gray matter. Even when the lesion was strictly unilateral, vertical ophthalmoplegia affected both eyes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Fundació Sant Hospital, La Seu D'Urgell, Barcelona, Spain. isanchez@hsjdbcn.org
authors.forename: Iván
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sánchez Fernández
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernández Carbonell
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vázquez Ortiz
authors.forename: Verónica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: González Álvarez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D020526:Brain Stem Infarctions / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010487:Periaqueductal Gray / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*