A case of semantic variant primary progressive aphasia with severe insular atrophy

Neurocase. 2012;18(6):450-6. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2011.627343. Epub 2011 Dec 8.

Abstract

Insular degeneration has been linked to symptoms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Presented in this case is a patient exhibiting semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, behavioral disturbance. Upon autopsy, he was found to have severe insular atrophy. In addition, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were ineffective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive behaviors or emotional blunting. This case suggests that Seeley et al.'s (2007 , Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders, 21, S50) hypothesis that von Economo neurons and fork cell-rich brain regions, particularly in the insula, are targeted in additional subtypes of FTD beyond the behavioral variant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aphasia, Primary Progressive / pathology*
  • Aphasia, Primary Progressive / physiopathology
  • Aphasia, Primary Progressive / psychology
  • Atrophy
  • Autopsy
  • Behavioral Symptoms
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology
  • Compulsive Behavior / pathology
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / pathology*
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / physiopathology
  • Frontotemporal Dementia / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Semantics