An unusual case of Dyke–Davidoff–Masson syndrome revealed by status epilepticus in a Malian patient

Abstract

Abstract The Duke–Davidoff–Masson syndrome (DDMS) is a rare neurological condition with unknown prevalence, globally. To date, <100 cases have been reported worldwide. We report the case of an 18‐year‐old patient admitted for status epilepticus seizure, and who presented a right hemiparesis, body asymmetry, joints ankylosis, and mental retardation. Brain CT‐scan revealed left hemisphere atrophy, skull bone thickening, and hyperpneumatization of the frontal sinuses; all consistent with DDMS. Seizures improved remarkably on Levetiracetam and Valproate. This is the first report of an unusual DDMS in Mali, and the diagnosis delay highlights the challenges for the management of these diseases in resource‐limited settings.

Keywords

• Africa
• Dyke–Davidoff–Masson syndrome
• Mali
• resistant epilepsy
• status epilepticus