Lethal catatonial syndrome, first reported by Calmeil and first named by Stauder , is a life-threatening febrile neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by mounting fever, extreme hyperactivity and stuporous exhaustion. While lethal catatonia is
more
commonly recognized as an outgrowth of a functional psychiatric disorders, it may also develop in association with a medical disorders disordes directly or indirectly affecting to CNS.
While the pathogenesis as lethal catatonia is unclear, disordered function within the diencephalon and other brain areas possibly involving alterations in central dopaminergic transmission. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome may be considered a
neuroleptic-induced iatrogenic from of lethal catatonia.
In lethal catatonia of functional orgin, neuroleptics appear indequate in treatment and may aggravate of complicate episodes of the disorder. Although some authors argue that steroids are useful, ECT appears to be the preferred treatment in
functional
origin. In organic origin, treatment should be directed at the underlying disorder and ECT may help relieve symptoms.
Familiarity with the clinical features and varied etiologies is essential for prognosis and effective management.
The authors presented three cases showing lethal catatonia syndrome's clinical feature with a brief review.
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