Case Report

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Possibly Secondary to Dilated Perivascular Space in Left Lentiform Nucleus: A Case Report

Zhao Zhenru1, Leow Hong Foo2 and Ng Beng Yeong2*
1Department of Psychiatry, National Health Group, Singapore
2Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore

*Corresponding author: Ng Beng Yeong, Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, 20 Academia Road, Singapore


Published: 31 May, 2016
Cite this article as: Zhenru Z, Foo LH, Yeong NB. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Possibly Secondary to Dilated Perivascular Space in Left Lentiform Nucleus: A Case Report. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2016; 1: 1016.

Abstract

This case report presents symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a previously healthy 66 year-old man, who was found to have a dilated perivascular space in the left lentiform nucleus. This report is consistent with recent imaging studies implicating the basal ganglia in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder and adds the experience of treating a patient with OCD induced by structural damage of lentiform nucleus.

Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Dilated perivascular space; Lentiform nucleus

Introduction

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental illness which usually starts in the second decade of life. Onset after age of 50 is relatively rare and may be more likely to have an organic aetiology [1-3]. Late-onset OCD can be associated with a number of cerebral lesions including traumatic brain injury, tumours, haemorrhages and infarcts [4] in certain brain areas such as the frontal lobes and basal ganglia [5]. Here we report a case of a 66-year-old gentleman presenting with OCD symptoms after structural change of left lentiform nucleus. He responded partially to pharmacological treatment.

Case Report

Mr M is a 66-year-old right handed Malay gentleman who first presented to a medical ward in our hospital in Jan 2016, displaying repetitive, intrusive and distressing thoughts that 'God is evil' in the preceding two months. He could recognize that these were his own thoughts. He tried to stop the thoughts by excessively praying or talking to him, but he could not resist them. No depressive or psychotic symptoms were elicited.
He does not have any past psychiatric history or family history of mental illness; He has never taken any psychiatric medications before and he does not abuse alcohol or illicit drugs. A systemic review showed he had been diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. His pre-morbid character was described as out-going and cheerful. He had high-school education and worked as a bank executive.
He is married and has four children and a stable and content family life. He is a religious person, believes in Islam and prays 5 times a day. He has sought help from his religious teachers before seeking treatment from doctors.
Physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. A brain computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a non-specific hypodense focus in left lentiform nucleus, and the configuration suggested dilated perivascular space and chronic in nature (Figure 1).
He was diagnosed with OCD according to DSM-V criteria. He was treated with fluoxetine and the medication was titrated up to 80 mg a day. He was calmer and less distressed by the obsessive thoughts, suggesting a partial remission of his OCD symptoms had been achieved after 3 months of treatment. Because of his religious belief, it is hard to involve him in psychological treatments as he finds it distressing even to elaborate on his obsessive thoughts; it is a great religious taboo to talk about negative things in relation to his religion.

Figure 1

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Figure 1
A non-specific hypodense focus in left lentiform nucleus, and the configuration suggested dilated perivascular space.

Discussion

In this case report we describe a patient, who developed OCD symptoms that could be due to structural change of left lentiform nucleus. There is no focal neurological deficit and only partial remission of his OCD symptoms has been achieved with pharmacotherapy.
Because OCD is an illness that usually presents in the second or third decade of life, onset after age 50 should alert the physician to possible "organic" causes of OCD symptomatology [6,7]. For this patient, the location of dilated perivascular space in left lentiform nucleus is in agreement with current theories that basal ganglia dysfunction in the pathogenesis of OCD[8].
The treatment with high dose of fluoxetine reduced the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. Permanent neuroanatomical lesions may partially explain the resistance to treatment with psychotropic medication [9]. The patient's religious faith also plays a part in his OCD condition and treatment; research has shown theoretical linkages supporting both positive and negative religious effects on mental health including OCD [10]. In the future, involving religious teachers in his care may be helpful in managing his condition.
In summary, this report adds to a body of evidence suggesting organic brain lesions can induce obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and shares our experience in managing such a case. However, more large scale research is needed to study the pathology and treatment of brain lesion induced OCD.

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