Supranuclear gaze palsy following extracorporeal surgery with induced hypothermia. Report of two cases

Although up to 5-20% of the patients who underwent surgery with hypothermia and cardiac arrest may present neurological complications, just a few cases of ocularmotor disorders have been described.

Acquired supranuclear ocular motor paresis (ASOMP) is a rare disorder characterized by impairment in volitional and reflex saccades and smooth pursuit in one or more directions of gaze with intact extraocular movements in response to vestibular estimulation.

We present two cases of acquired supranuclear ocular motor paresis associated with a peculiar gait disorder. Although a partial improvement was observed, both patients continue with ocular motor paresis in vertical direction after one year of evolution. A selective vulnerability of certain brainstem neuronal groups would explain the pathophysiology of these symptoms.

CITA DEL ARTÍCULO Neurologia. 2000 Jan;15(1):35-8