332 © 2019 Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging | Published by Wolters Kluwer ‑ Medknow
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis ‑ A
case report
Arshed Hussain Parry, Abdul Haseeb Wani, Muiez Bashir, Tariq A Gojwari
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sher‑i‑Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Correspondence: Dr. Arshed Hussain Parry, Department of Radiodiagnosis, Sher‑i‑Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura,
Srinagar ‑ 190 011, Jammu and Kashmir, India. E‑mail: arshedparry@gmail.com
Abstract
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from a defective enzyme in bile acid
synthesis pathway leading to neurological, ocular, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms from deposition of cholestanol and
cholesterol in these tissues. We present clinical and imaging features of a 32‑year‑old female who presented with mental retardation,
gait instability and swelling along posterior aspect of both ankles. Imaging studies were performed which revealed spectrum of
CTX fndings in brain and tendons. Subsequently the diagnosis was confrmed by biopsy and laboratory tests.
Key words: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis; cholestanol; dentate nucleus
Introduction
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal
recessive disorder resulting from a defective enzyme in bile
acid synthesis pathway with deposition of cholestanol and
cholesterol in brain, tendons, soft tissues and eyes leading
to cerebellar dysfunction, early cataract formation, tendon,
and soft tissue xanthomas. Around 300 cases of CTX have
been reported worldwide to date. The disease is potentially
treatable with chenodeoxycholic acid. Early diagnosis and
treatment is essential to prevent the neurological sequelae
of the disease.
Case History
A 32‑year‑old, mentally retarded female presented with
gait instability and right malar eminence swelling as
well as swelling along the posterior aspect of both ankle
joints. Patient had undergone surgery for cataracts in
both eyes 10 years back. On examination patient was
found to have ataxia, soft, non‑tender swelling along
the posterior aspect of both ankle joints, as well as right
malar emminence [Figure 1A]. A preliminary diagnosis of
cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis was made and evaluation
was started.
Lipid profile revealed total cholesterol of 306 mg/dl
(LDL 205 mg/dl, VLDL 46mg/dl, HDL 55 mg/dl) and
triglycerides of 526 mg/dl. Rest of the blood chemistry
was normal. Radiograph of ankle joints revealed soft
tissue swellings along the posterior aspect of both ankle
joints and calcaneal bones [Figure 1B]. MRI of ankle
joints revealed fusiform enlargement of bilateral Achilles
tendons with signal intensity similar to muscle with
speckled appearance on axial images consistent with
tendinous xanthomatosis [Figure 2]. MRI brain revealed
hyperintensity of bilateral dentate nuclei, deep cerebellar
white matter with hyperintensity of posterior limbs
Case report
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Website:
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DOI:
10.4103/ijri.IJRI_444_18
Cite this article as: Parry AH, Wani AH, Bashir M, Gojwari TA. Cerebrotendinous
xanthomatosis ‑ A case report. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2019;29:332‑4.
Received: 22‑Nov‑2018 Revision: 24‑Nov‑2018
Accepted: 10‑Sep‑2019 Published: 30‑Oct‑2019
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Article published online: 2021-07-22