Rationale: Brain atrophy coupled with impaired cognition may be a sign of dementia. However, growing evidence indicates that schizoaffective disorder (SAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) play roles in the processes of frontotemporal atrophy and cognitive decline. Few cases of frontotemporal atrophy and impaired cognition have been reported in young adult patients with SAD and T2DM.
Patient concerns: A 34-year-old man was admitted for his 19th rehospitalization due to auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), delusions of persecution, mania, and fluctuating blood sugar levels. After admission, a brain computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the patient's frontotemporal atrophy, which was first found in 2014, had gradually degenerated over time. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) revealed cognitive impairments. Based on the clinical assessment, his cognition and social function impairments were determined to mainly result from SAD and T2DM because the clinical characteristics and course of the disease did not coincide with the features of progressive aggravation of dementia.
Diagnoses: Diagnoses include the following: SAD-mania and T2DM.
Interventions: Paliperidone and sodium valproate coupled with quetiapine add-on treatment were prescribed for the patient.
Outcomes: The therapeutic strategy had a limited effect on the patient.
Lessons: Early onset of SAD and T2DM, as well as irregular treatment, resulting in brain atrophy coupled with cognitive impairments, may be the main causes of the patient's treatment resistance and poor outcome. The risks and benefits of treatment strategies should be individually assessed. Further neuroimaging, pertinent biomarkers, and genetic tests along with long-term follow-up are needed for precise evaluation of the patient's condition.