Eye-of-the-tiger Sign in Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation

Abstract

A 68-year-old male patient presented to the neurology clinic with tremor, lightheadedness, and a history of syncope. Exam showed mild Parkinsonism. Neuroimaging revealed symmetric lesions of the globus pallidus (the eye-of-the-tiger sign) concerning for neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Genetic panel for NBIA was ordered, specifically pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), including pantothenate kinase 2 (PanK2) - the genetic marker for the pantothenate kinase enzyme.