Adie syndrome

Adie syndrome presents with three hallmark symptoms, namely at least one abnormally dilated pupil (mydriasis) which does not constrict in response to light, loss of deep tendon reflexes, and abnormalities of sweating. Some individuals with Adie syndrome may also have cardiovascular abnormalities. ==Pathophysiology==

Pupillary symptoms of Holmes–Adie syndrome are thought to be the result of a viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation and damage to neurons in the ciliary ganglion, located in the posterior orbit, that provides parasympathetic control of eye constriction. Additionally, patients with Holmes-Adie Syndrome can also experience problems with autonomic control of the body. This second set of symptoms is caused by damage to the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord. Adie's pupil is supersensitive to acetylcholine so a muscarinic agonist (e.g. pilocarpine) whose dose would not be able to cause pupillary constriction in a normal patient, would cause it in a patient with Adie's Syndrome. The circuitry for the pupillary constriction does not descend below the upper midbrain, henceforth impaired pupillary constriction is extremely important to detect as it can be an early sign of brainstem herniation. ==Diagnosis==

Clinical exam may reveal sectoral paresis of the iris sphincter or vermiform iris movements. The tonic pupil may become smaller (miotic) over time which is referred to as "little old Adie's". Testing with low dose (1/8%) pilocarpine may constrict the tonic pupil due to cholinergic denervation supersensitivity. ==Treatment==

The usual treatment of a standardised Adie syndrome is to prescribe reading glasses to correct for impairment of the eye(s). Pilocarpine drops may be administered as a treatment as well as a diagnostic measure. Thoracic sympathectomy is the definitive treatment of diaphoresis, if the condition is not treatable by drug therapy. ==Prognosis==

Adie's syndrome is not life-threatening or disabling. As such, there is no mortality rate relating to the condition; however, loss of deep tendon reflexes is permanent and may progress over time. == Epidemiology ==

It most commonly affects younger women (2.6:1 female preponderance) and is unilateral in 80% of cases. == See also ==