Severe Progressive Brain Atrophy in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system. Progressive brain atrophy is a known marker of patient disability and cognitive impairment in MS patient, but limited information is available about the clinical and cognitive consequences in the pediatric population. Case Report We present a case of aggressive pediatric-onset MS with severe rapidly progressive brain atrophy, neurological disability, and cognitive deterioration. Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrate ongoing cerebral atrophy correlating with severe deficits on serial neuropsychological testing. Conclusion A subset of pediatric MS patient may be vulnerable to severe cognitive deterioration associated with marked brain atrophy.