Mixed pathologies mimicking motor neuron disease: a case report and review of the literature

Avyarthana Dey; Ekhlas Assaedi; Wendy Johnston; Sanjay Kalra; Sumit Das

doi:10.5114/fn.2021.111486

eISSN: 1509-572x
ISSN: 1641-4640

Folia Neuropathologica

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4/2021
vol. 59

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abstract:

Case report

Mixed pathologies mimicking motor neuron disease: a case report and review of the literature

Avyarthana Dey

^{1, 2}

,

Ekhlas Assaedi

²

,

Wendy Johnston

²

,

Sanjay Kalra

^{1, 2}

,

Sumit Das

^{1, 3}

Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Canada

Division of Neurology, University of Alberta, Canada

Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Canada

Folia Neuropathol 2021; 59 (4): 403-408

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/fn.2021.111486

Online publish date: 2021/12/30

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is classified as a motor neuron disease (MND) that can present with both upper and lower motor neuron signs. Concurrent ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is also a well-known phenomenon. Examples of other primary disorders mimicking ALS or ALS-FTD have been reported in the literature and recognition of these entities is important to ensure proper clinical management. We present here an unusual case of an 86-year-old male patient, clinically diagnosed with ALS and severe cognitive impairment thought to be due to FTD. Postmortem neuropathological examination of his brain and spinal cord did not reveal the typical findings of ALS or FTD. Rather, it revealed multiple non-ALS pathologies including argyrophilic grain disease (AGD), cerebrovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s type pathology. This case raises the possibility that mixed pathologies could mimic motor neuron disease.

keywords:

Mixed pathologies mimicking motor neuron disease: a case report and review of the literature

Avyarthana Dey 1, 2 , Ekhlas Assaedi 2 , Wendy Johnston 2 , Sanjay Kalra 1, 2 , Sumit Das 1, 3

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, argyrophilic grain disease, cerebrovascular, Alzheimer’s, neuropathology, overlap

Avyarthana Dey

^{1, 2}

,

Ekhlas Assaedi

²

,

Wendy Johnston

²

,

Sanjay Kalra

^{1, 2}

,

Sumit Das

^{1, 3}