POMS Reference

This change was made on Mar 28, 2018. See latest version.
Text removed
Text added

DI 23022.850: Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia

changes
*
  • Effective Dates: 06/16/2017 - Present
  • Effective Dates: 03/28/2018 - Present
  • TN 7 (08-12)
  • TN 16 (03-18)
  • DI 23022.850 Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia
  • COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE INFORMATION
  • ORTHOCHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHY WITH PIGMENTED GLIA
  • ALTERNATE NAMES
  • ALTERNATE NAMES
  • Pigmented Type of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy; Pigmentary Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy; POLD; Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia Cells; Adult Onset Leukodystrophy; Adult Onset Leukoencephalopathy with Axonal Spheroids and Pigmented Glia; ALSP
  • DESCRIPTION
  • DESCRIPTION
  • Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia is a rare inherited type of adult leukodystrophy that affect the white matter of the brain. This disorder is characterized by seizures, rapidly progressive dementia and gait disturbance. This disorder has features that are similar to Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal dementia.
  • DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM CODING
  • DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM CODING
  • Diagnostic testing: The diagnosis of this disorder is based on the combination of clinical and family history, neurological exam, neuropsychological testing, and neuroimaging. A definitive diagnosis of this disorder can only be made by a brain biopsy or postmortem examination of the brain. Neuroimaging, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to demonstrate changes in the brain and to exclude other causes of dementia.
  • Neurological physical findings: The neurological physical findings include abnormal gait, spasticity, dysarthria, ocular apraxia, and facial and bulbar weakness.
  • ICD-9: 330.0
  • ONSET AND PROGRESSION
  • ONSET AND PROGRESSION
  • Orthochromatic leukodystropy with pigmented glia is progressive and usually fatal. This disorder typically affects adults between the ages of 40- 50 years of age. As the disorder progresses some individuals become wheel chair dependent and require feeding via gastrostomy to maintain nutrition and hydration. Death usually occurs within ten years of diagnosis secondary to sepsis infection.
  • TREATMENT
  • TREATMENT
  • There is no cure for this disorder. Treatment is symptom specific and supportive. Antidepressants and tranquilizers are used to treat psychiatric symptoms.
  • SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*
  • SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*
  • Suggested MER for evaluation:
  • Suggested MER for evaluation:
  • * Clinical information documenting a progressive dementia is critical and required for disability evaluation of orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia. The preferable source of this information is the clinical records from the claimant’s medical source(s).
  • * CT/MRI scans of the brain showing abnormal changes in the white matter.
  • Suggested Listings for Evaluation:
  • Suggested Listings for Evaluation:
  • DETERMINATION
  • DETERMINATION
  • LISTING
  • REMARKS
  • Meets Listing
  • Meets Listing
  • 11.17
  • 12.02
  •  
  • Medical Equals
  • Medical Equals
  •  
  •  
  • * Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or Listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the claim rests with the adjudicator.
  • * Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or Listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the claim rests with the adjudicator.