Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare neurologic disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis, characterized by abrupt onset and remission of attacks of hypersomnia and cognitive dysfunctions. Psychiatric symptoms are frequently present, ranging from disinhibited sexual behavior and eating disorders to hallucinations, anxiety, mood alterations, and derealization. A vast range of attack-related dysautonomic signs and symptoms are reported but remain poorly described. We describe a patient with Kleine-Levin syndrome with sleep attacks dominated by marked dysautonomic features. We briefly review similar clinical cases and suggest that the hypothalamus may play a central role in the genesis of autonomic dysfunction in Kleine-Levin syndrome.
Kleine-Levin syndrome: report of a case with marked dysautonomic features
Fiamingo, Giuseppe;Esposto, Roberta;Terzaghi, Michele
2022-01-01
Abstract
Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare neurologic disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis, characterized by abrupt onset and remission of attacks of hypersomnia and cognitive dysfunctions. Psychiatric symptoms are frequently present, ranging from disinhibited sexual behavior and eating disorders to hallucinations, anxiety, mood alterations, and derealization. A vast range of attack-related dysautonomic signs and symptoms are reported but remain poorly described. We describe a patient with Kleine-Levin syndrome with sleep attacks dominated by marked dysautonomic features. We briefly review similar clinical cases and suggest that the hypothalamus may play a central role in the genesis of autonomic dysfunction in Kleine-Levin syndrome.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
