Zhang ZY, Ouyang ZY, Zhao GH, Fang JJ. Mills’ syndrome is a unique entity of upper motor neuron disease with N-shaped progression: Three case reports.
World J Clin Cases 2022;
10:6664-6671. [PMID:
35979278 PMCID:
PMC9294906 DOI:
10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6664]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Mills’ syndrome is an extremely rare degenerative motor neuron disorder first described by Mills in 1900, but its nosological status is still not clear. We aimed to analyze the clinical features of Mills’ syndrome.
CASE SUMMARY
Herein, we present 3 cases with similar features as those described in Mills’ original paper and review the related literature. Our patients showed middle- and older-age onset, with only upper motor neuron symptoms evident throughout the course of the disease. Spastic hemiplegia began in the lower extremity with a unique progressive pattern.
CONCLUSION
We consider that Mills’ syndrome is a unique entity of motor neuron disorder with an N-shaped progression. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of Mills’ syndrome when the onset involves lower extremity paralysis without evidence of lower motor neuron or sensory involvement.
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