Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus syndrome presenting as catatonia

In this case report, we discuss a patient who was initially diagnosed with catatonia, and was later found to have GAD-65 associated progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) syndrome, which is a variant of an autoimmune condition known as stiff person syndrome. Her catatonia was initially treated with benzodiazepines and ECT, and later in her hospitalization course was treated with steroids, IVIG, and rituximab. She had marked recovery returning near to baseline within months.

Source: Psychosomatics - May 17, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Witek N, Hebert C, Gera A, Comella C Source Type: research